24 | MARCH 2 • 2023 

F

riendseder season is upon us. 
Friendseder started in 2019, 
inspired by the Friendsgiving 
trend, having a meal with friends leading 
up to the big Thanksgiving holiday. 
Friendseder is the sidekick to Passover 
that helps people gather with their 
friends prior to (or during) the week of 
Passover to make the holiday their own.
This year, The Well is hosting the 
second annual Zingerman’s Friendseder 
Community Brunch on March 19, this 
time at a new venue with increased 
capacity.
This year’s menu will feature some 
favorites from last year along with new 
innovations and drink pairings for each 
course.
Those interested can join the program 
in person at Zingerman’s Greyline in 
Ann Arbor on Sunday, March 19, at 11 
a.m., or virtually from anywhere in the 
country any time on or after March 24.
At the in-person brunch on March 
19, attendees will enjoy a four-course 
meal with beverage pairings (and 
optional cocktail pairings), facilitated 
by The Well’s Rabbi Jeff Stombaugh and 
Zingerman’s Event Coordinator Tessie 

Ives-Wilson.
Tickets are available for 
$60 per person, or $75 per 
person to opt-in to the 
additional cocktail pairings.
Immediately following 
the success of last year’s 
inaugural event, all parties 
were excited to bring the 
experience to fruition once again. 
Moving it to the Zingerman’s Greyline 
location allows the event to increase 
capacity.

The other major difference this year 
is instead of doing a livestream of the 
in-person event, a digital video guide has 
been created. 
“In our decision-making process, we’re 
always looking to try new things,” Rabbi 
Jeff said. “This gives us an opportunity 
for a more impactful initiative and 
experience.” 
The digital video guide, created by 
Rabbi Jeff and Ives-Wilson, is included 
with the purchase of the Friendseder 
brunch kit for those who can’t join in 

Rabbi Jeff 
Stombaugh

OUR COMMUNITY

The Well is returning with its second annual 
Zingerman’s Friendseder Community Brunch.

Friendseder From Anywhere

DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

A scene from 
last year’s 
event 

