MAY 30 • 2024 | 29
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faces&places

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ewish and non-Jewish attendees first gathered in the
sanctuary as Rabbi Arnie Sleutelberg removed the
Torah from the ark and took questions about the
Torah and Judaism.
Event co-chairs Carol Ogusky and Howard Brown warmly
welcomed all to begin the seder. Ogusky impressively
greeted everyone in nine different languages. The Honorary
chair, Consul General Yusuke Shindo, spoke of the history of
Japan and its unique relationship with the United States.
Members of the Hindu, Muslim and Christian
communities were in attendance, as well as members from
the Coalition for Black and Jewish Unity.
There was great conversation among the 100 guests, and all
enjoyed the story of Passover and delicious food at the seder
at Adat Shalom Synagogue on April 11. The four questions
were read in many languages. Vocalist Emma Zee closed
the evening, beautifully singing “Jerusalem of Gold.”

Melissa Gould is JCRC/AJC special projects coordinator.

JCRC/AJC’s
Annual
Diplomatic
and Interfaith
Seder

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JCRC/AJC

Left-Right: JCRC/AJC Interim Executive Director Sam Dubin, Honorary
Consul of Poland Richard Walawender, Honorary Consul of United
Kingdom Nicholas Stasevich, Consul of Mexico Roberto Nicolas Vazquez,
Retired Honorary Consul General of Austria Aloys Schwarz, Consul
General of Canada Colin Bird, Consul General of Japan Yusuke Shindo,
Honorary Consul of Norway Dennis Flessland, Carol Ogusky and Howard
Brown, co-chairs of the seder.

JCRC/AJC Diplomatic Committee co-chairs Carol Ogusky and Howard
Brown

Rabbi Arnie Sleutelberg, Honorary Chair; Consul General of
Japan Yusuke Shindo; Consul General of Canada Colin Bird;
and Consul of Mexico Roberto Nicolas Vazquez.

Barbara Cook and Lakshmi Vadlamudi enjoy their time together at the seder.

MELISSA GOULD SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS