Beth El Synagogue Brings Seder to the Community

The Passover Seder is a Jewish traditional feast that marks the beginning of the holiday and retells the story of their exodus from Egypt. Monday evening, this story was recounted and the traditions were handed down as over 175 guests gathered at in New Rochelle to take part in one of the most festive rituals in the Jewish faith.

The actual Passover holiday does not begin until sundown on April 18. However, for the fourth year in a row, the Synagogue put on a model Seder for adults with developmental disabilities, with songs, stories and a festive meal.

The goal of the evening is to educate adults with developmental disabilities about the traditions surrounding the holiday and engage them to help lead songs and prayers. 

“When the participants are dancing and enjoying themselves, that is the best part,” said Sandy Greenberg who was just one of over 100 volunteers who made the event possible by serving, cooking, cleaning up and assisting at each individual table when needed.

The event was sponsored by the Havorah Program of Westchester Jewish Community Services, and the Sylvia and Robert Scher Chesed Community of Beth El. The Havorah program, which is partially funded by UJA Federation of New York and provides opportunities to experience Jewish life for people with developmental disabilities who are living either independently, with their families or in community residences.

“Everything is donated, and that is what makes this a real community event,” said Greenberg, as she filled out another name tag for what seemed to be an endless parade of arriving guests.

While not all participants are of the Jewish faith, many come each year simply to enjoy the music and the company as the event has truly grown into something many truly look forward to each year.

“Not only has this dinner event grown, but it’s one of the largest in Westchester,” said Rabbi David Kosak who along with Rabbi Melvin Sirner led the evening’s Seder.

Sirner has been at Beth El Synagogue since 1972 and made everyone feel at home with not only his witty banter but his ability to include the crowd in the service, asking questions and passing the microphone to guests for answers.

When the Seder reached the part where the four questions are presented, Sirner joked, “How many questions tonight, four questions, does anyone know what they were about? That was a fifth question!"

“Why do we eat bitter herbs,” asked the comedic Sirner. “Doesn’t everyone have an uncle like that, bitter Herb?"

With Sirner joking and Hazzan Farid Dardashti leading the music, guests were treated to a interactive and educational evening as the Passover Seder was brought to life.

Lori Weber strolled through the ballroom, guitar in hand singing traditional Jewish songs and even parodies of traditional songs for example instead of “La Bamba,” it was “I want another piece of matzo.”

David Rosenthal of Yonkers says that seeing this type of community atmosphere makes him thankful for his faith. 

“I always taught my children the traditions and seeing so many people gathering at one time to partake in these same songs and prayers is just terrific,” he said.