Introduction to the Interfaith Passover Seder
An interfaith Passover Seder was held to honor community resilience after the LA fires.
Faith uplifting, reflective evening of faith.
Ahead of Passover, the Jewish Federation Los Angeles (JFEDLA) hosted its annual Interfaith Seder dinner on Thursday evening at the Museum of Tolerance in L.A. The event, themed “From Hardship to Hope: The Power of Collective Strength,” brought together diverse faith leaders, first responders, civic officials and community members affected by the recent L.A. wildfires to “honor the spirit of community resilience and the enduring strength of togetherness,” organizers said.
The Seder Event
The seder is a ritual feast marking the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Passover, which this year begins on April 12 at sundown.
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Rabbi Ahud Sela, President of the Board of Rabbis and Rabbi at Temple Ramat Zion, blesses wine during a special interfaith seder on Thursday night, April 3, at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Haggadah prayers were dedicated to all the houses of worship and communities affected by the wildfires.
Impact of the Wildfires
Nearly 20 religious institutions burned down in the fires, and hundreds of other houses of worship sustained immeasurable damage, officials said.
Event Highlights
The event included a performance by Media Musicians United, a group helping creative artists restore any lost equipment. An interactive art exhibit through the Oneness Project invited guests to reflect on themes of unity, tolerance and inner peace.
A final musical performance of healing featured clergy from different faiths, led by Cantor Ruth Berman Harris of the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, which was destroyed in the Eaton Fire.
Jim Berk, CEO of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, said that the Musum of Tolerance was honored to welcome L.A.’s “diverse tapestry of faiths and communities” for the dinner.
“The story of a people moving from slavery to freedom that is told at every Passover Seder table is a universal journey offering hope for people from every faith and community,” said Berk.
Reflections on the Event
JFEDLA board chair Orna Wolens reflected on the solemn — yet hopeful — event.
“Like our ancestors before us, we come to this year’s Seder with heavier hearts, carrying the weight of a year filled with hardship. From rising antisemitism and hate to the recent devastating wildfires, the challenges we face seem unrelenting,” Wolens said in her remarks. “As we come together, we not only reflect on our losses but also celebrate the enduring spirit of our community. We honor the strength of those who are working to rebuild, those who have supported one another, and those who have sought out hope in the darkest of times.”
Conclusion
The interfaith Passover Seder was a powerful reminder of the importance of community and resilience in the face of adversity. The event brought together people from diverse backgrounds and faiths to reflect on the challenges faced by the community and to celebrate the strength and hope that exists within it.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the Passover Seder?
A: The Passover Seder is a ritual feast that marks the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Passover, which commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
Q: What was the theme of the interfaith Passover Seder?
A: The theme of the interfaith Passover Seder was “From Hardship to Hope: The Power of Collective Strength.”
Q: What was the purpose of the event?
A: The purpose of the event was to honor the spirit of community resilience and the enduring strength of togetherness in the face of adversity.
Q: Who attended the event?
A: The event was attended by diverse faith leaders, first responders, civic officials, and community members affected by the recent L.A. wildfires.
Q: What were some of the highlights of the event?
A: The event included a performance by Media Musicians United, an interactive art exhibit, and a final musical performance of healing featuring clergy from different faiths.
