34 | MAY 5 • 2022 

T

he Jewish Community Relations 
Council/American Jewish 
Committee had the honor of once 
again hosting its annual Diplomatic Seder 
in person, the first time since 2019, at 
Congregation Shaarey Zedek in early 
April. 
An inspiring evening, Honorary Consul 
of Korea David Rodon served as the 
honorary chair and was joined by fellow 
members of the Michigan Diplomatic 
Corps representing countries such as 
Great Britain, France, Canada, Poland, 
Latvia, Belgium and Brazil. The diverse 
audience, who were filled with joy to once 
again join together, included JCRC/AJC 

board members and past presidents, as 
well as friends representing the Muslim, 
African American, Christian and Hindu 
communities. 
Led by Rabbi Arnie Sleutelberg, along-
side JCRC/AJC Board President Seth 
Gould, Executive Director Rabbi Asher 
Lopatin and Diplomatic Committee 
Co-Chairs Howard Brown and Carol 
Ogusky, the seder began in the main 
sanctuary where attendees learned 
about the different parts of the bimah 
and viewed a Torah scroll. A highlight 
was when “Oh, Freedom” was sung by 
Monique Brewer, alongside her parents 
Barbara and Pastor Brewer. 

Guests then moved into Handleman 
Hall for the main part of the program, 
where a moment of silence was held for 
the people of Ukraine. Diners at each 
table enjoyed learning and informative 
conversation, some of which included the 
four questions said in the diplomats’ own 
language, as well as a traditional Passover 
meal.
For JCRC/AJC, one of the organiza-
tion’s main hopes is to build bridges to 
peace between all faith communities. 
The evening was a success as Passover 
customs, from slavery to freedom, were 
shared and warmly embraced. 

Diplomatic Seder

LAUREN GARFIELD-HERRIN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

FAR LEFT: The 
Consuls General 
and JCRC/AJC staff 
at the Diplomatic 
Seder.

LEFT: Co-chairs 
Howard Brown and 
Carol Ogusky.

Monique Brewer, in between her parents, Barbara and Pastor Brewer, 
sang “Oh Freedom.”
Rabbi Arnie Sleutelberg tells guests about the bimah and shows them 
a Torah scroll at Congregation Shaarey Zedek.

faces&places

