NJ Labor Leaders Break Matzah Together At Passover-Themed Seder Event

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Dozens of representatives from organized New Jersey labor, Jewish organizations, civil rights and other community groups recently broke matzah together at an annual Passover-themed “Labor Seder” organized by the Jewish Labor Committee.

The event was held last week at the New Jersey District offices of the SEIU 32BJ union in Newark. About 70 community leaders attended, with another dozen participating via livestream.

Organizers provided the following recap of this year’s Labor Seder:

“The overarching theme of the New Jersey Labor Seder this year was ‘Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States by Recommitting Ourselves to the Ideals of Democracy.’ As is the tradition of the New Jersey Labor Seder, each of the four cups of wine were dedicated to a contemporary topic that resonates with the themes of the Passover holiday: freedom, workers’ rights and welcoming the stranger. This year, Ana Maria Hill, New Jersey director of SEIU 32BJ, spoke to the theme of the first cup of wine, ‘How Can We Ensure Workers’ Rights, the Right to Organize, and Economic Justice?’ Adrian Orozco, New Jersey political director of SEIU 32BJ, shared his own insights, and read remarks of Nedia Morsy, executive director of Make the Road New Jersey, who was to speak to the theme of the second cup of wine, ‘How Can We Protect the Rights of All Immigrants and Asylum Seekers?,’ but was unable to attend due to a family emergency. Rabbi Emily Losben-Ostrov, of Temple Sholom in Scotch Plains, spoke to the theme of the third cup of wine, ‘Why We Need to Work Together to Fight Antisemitism and Hatred of the Other.’ Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Jewish Labor Committee, and president of the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union (RWDSU), spoke to the theme of the fourth cup of wine, ‘What Must Be Done to Safeguard Democracy and the Right to Vote?’”

The Jewish Labor Committee has organized Labor Seders in New Jersey and elsewhere across the country since 2000.

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