Rabbi Holds Seder Ukraine Fundraiser Because 'Parallels Are Strong'

LONG BEACH, NY — As Jewish families celebrate the centuries-old story of Passover and the exodus from Egypt, Temple Emanu-El of Long Beach is using this holiday to think about the families in Ukraine facing their own exodus.

A portion of proceeds from a community Seder on the second night of Passover will go to help refugees of Ukraine.

Given the history of Passover, Rabbi Jack Zanerhaft told "Patch AM" on Friday that there are similarities to today's headlines.

"The Israelites were into freedom, walking into the desert on their way to the promised land, and the promise was to have a homeland, where they could have self-determination and sovereignty, exactly what Ukraine is seeking," Zanerhaft said. "So the parallels are so clear and so strong."

The Seder is on Saturday, April 16. It costs $30 for adults and $15 for children.