Passover Seder that Offered a "Family Feel"

On Monday, April 10^th, Temple Beth El Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch held its annual “First Night Passover Seder” at IMG Academy Golf and Country Club. Conducted by Rabbi Michael Sternfield and Cantorial Soloist, Deborah Suta, it was a family-like traditional Seder. “Since Passover Seder traditionally belongs in a home, the temple’s Seder will create a feeling that it is still kind of a family event,” Sternfield said. The attendees that evening ranged from 2 to 90 plus. Some families were three and four generations. The Synagogue, which is growing rapidly with their relocation to East Bradenton to accommodate both Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, was pleased with the close to 80 people in attendance. “When you have a community or synagogue Seder, you are essentially providing a Seder for people who, for one reason or another, are not in a home environment,” Sternfield said. “So many people here are away from family, so the temple community becomes a nice substitute family for many people. It really has a family feeling.” Temple Beth El, now at 5150 Peridia Blvd East in the Peridia area welcomes all. Erev Shabbat services are Friday at 7:30 pm and Shabbat and Torah Study starts at 10 am on Saturday. For more information, go to www.templebethelbradenton.com or call 941-755-4900.