MARCH 28 • 2024 | 19 director of communications at Temple Beth El, echoes Stryk’s sentiment that “this year, more than ever, may we come to realize the ancient call for peace and fulfillment, and the freedom of our people … Next year in Jerusalem! “Passover is the most-cel- ebrated holiday across the American Jewish community, ” Weber asserts. “Our mission is to share the joy of our people’s foundational narrative through special foods, songs and cus- toms. Each seder, anchored in the theme of freedom, trans- forms into a vibrant celebration of our shared history. ” There’s plenty of room for individual participation at most communal seders. At Temple Shir Shalom, Rabbi Daniel Schwartz describes a festive atmosphere with each table taking turns sending representatives to read at the microphone, and games and activities sprinkled throughout the seder. Representatives from all synagogues hosting communal seders are quick to say that this event should not replace a seder in individual homes, which is why it’s offered only one of the two nights that Diaspora Jews typically cele- brate. At Temple Israel, participants fill the Herman Hall and tables are arranged to fit groups that come together, says Rabbi Marla Hornsten. “Passover is a home-based holiday, and a lot of times people don’t have that opportunity in their own homes,” she says. “ A lot of people have chosen Judaism or may not have family to create seder with. [For the communal seder,] you don’t have to do anything — just show up. “This is a priority for our community, ” she adds. “We want to make sure people have a place to celebrate. ” Like Beth Ahm, Temple Israel’s communal seder is open to the entire Jewish communi- ty. Also, Temple Israel invites JARC and Kadima members to participate, Hornsten says. At Temple Shir Shalom, the communal seder is for mem- bers and their guests. There are games and activities, with a scene from Egypt construct- ed in the entrance and a river down the middle of the social hall where children can build “baby Moses baskets” and race them, says Rabbi Schwartz. “We offer creative ways to engage people and tell the story of Passover. ” JARC members are also invited to attend. Faye Wolf, a West Bloomfield resident and Beth Ahm member, loves her synagogue’s communal seder. She usually attends with some of her adult children plus her brother and cousins and any family that come in from out- of-town for the holiday. They all sit together and continue the conversations started at shul the next night at their family seder in the home. “I love Beth Ahm’s Passover seder, ” she says. “It’s a great way to celebrate with family without the stress of hosting a large numbrt of people. Rabbi Rubenstein always brings something new and thought-provoking for our dis- cussions. And it’s always a plea- sure to see our congregational extended family celebrating together. ” David Stryk says he’s “always enjoyed leading seders” with his brother and brothers-in- law. “We come up with con- versations and take the idea of ‘teaching the kids’ to heart. ” Attending a communal seder one night and celebrating at home another night “is the best of both worlds, ” he says. “Plus, frankly, it’s nice not to have to clean up for two nights in a row. ” Communal Passover Seders 2024 Congregation Beth Ahm Open to the public First night, April 22, 6:30-9 pm Registration required by April 9 www.cbahm.org/event/passoverseder2024 Temple Israel Open to the public Second night, April 23, 5:30-8:30 pm Registration required by April 5 www.temple-israel.org/event/Seder2024 Temple Shir Shalom For members and guests Second night, April 23, 6-8:30 pm Registration required by April 15 www.shirshalom.org/event/passover-seder Temple Beth El Second night, April 23, 6-9:30 pm For more information, www.tbeonline.org Congregation Shaarey Zedek For members For details, contact Elise Gechter, (248) 357-5544 Congregation Shir Tikvah Second night, April 23, 5-8 pm www.shirtikvah.org/event/2nd-seder-at-cst.html Rabbi Daniel Schwartz Rabbi Marla Hornsten Congregation Beth Ahm