By Vicki Baker
Curious and uncertain about one of the most significant and widely observed Jewish holidays? Not fully knowing the history and traditions of Passover? That was certainly true for many members of Voices United.
Through the organization’s Diversity in Action Committee, we sat down together for a Passover Seder Sampling. Hosted by Jackie Killingsworth, Joyce Brein, and Phyllis Ayers, we shared the traditional holiday meal called Seder. Seder means “order” because the meal of symbolic foods and specialty wine is served in a certain order, each representing a different aspect of the Jewish Exodus from Egypt from slavery to freedom.
Unsure of what to expect when we arrived, we quickly felt at ease after “breaking bread” (matzah) and sipping the traditional Manischewitz Concord Grape wine. The center table was set with a unique "Seder plate" filled with unfamiliar items - maror (horseradish and parsley - bitterness of slavery), charoset (honey/apple/nut mix - mortar used by Hebrew slaves), karpas (lettuce dipped in salty water - tears), zeroa (shank bone - sacrifice), and beitzah (hard boiled egg - mourning and cycle of life), along with a cup of wine for Elijah (future redemption). The metzah, or unleavened bread, was served separately on each dining table.
Following tradition, the four questions were recited prompting the retelling of the Passover story. We were directed through the Haggadah, a book detailing the Exodus from Egypt. It wasn’t a lecture; it was interactive as we took turns reading about the story of the first Passover, the ten plagues, and the Seder meal while sampling various combinations of symbolic foods. It made us feel less like spectators and more like participants.
It was now time for the festive meal including gefilte fish, matzo ball soup, brisket, kugel, and coconut macaroons. After dinner, we participated in the afikomen where we searched for a hidden broken piece of matzah symbolizing redemption and hope for the future.
Voices United’s Passover Seder Sampling was more than a meal. It was a day of cultural learning and understanding, a time for connection and celebration. While most of us didn’t share the same ancestry, the ancient story resonated with us all, making it instantly modern and relevant, serving as an important reminder of the unending need to fight for freedom and justice, not just for Jewish people, but for all people.
Are you, too, interested in exploring cultural diversity? Come join Voices United as we take the next steps forward and share progressive values through community outreach, civic awareness, discussion groups, book readings, cultural events, issue-related presentations, and more. We meet monthly on the first Saturday of the month at 11:00 am in the Clubhouse. For more information, visit www.voicesunitedrr.org.