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