Passover Recap 2009
CJC’s Community Seder was a delight this year. The CJC ballroom was transformed into a Passover palace thanks to the help of our very own teens, Alena, Ariella, and Bella. The beautiful flower center pieces were put together by Lora Rosenfeld.
The seder was sold out and the close to 100 people who attended were seated in family size tables, decorated in Passover colors and seder plates. There was plenty of room to feel comfortable, yet close enough to have a very friendly feel.
The Seder began with Hors devours, delicious gefilte fish, a bright Russian beet salad called vinegrette, Israeli salad and drinks. This was a great start so that no one was starving as the Seder progressed. Following were some introductory remarks by Rabbi Marcus followed by an uplifting candle lighting ceremony led by Bassie Marcus who guided the women through a personal moment of prayer and meditation. Everyone then sat down to setup their seder plates and choose their wine or grape juice.
The seder ran like clock work with Rabbi Marcus leading, interspersing relevant lessons from the haggadah and for many of the rituals of the night.
There was plenty of hand made Shmura Matzah and Maror to go around. The dinner was a delightful surprise, as Bassie Marcus pointed out that all of the evening’s food had been made from scratch not using any processed food and very limited spices as well as being gluten free and most importantly delicious. Bassie explained that this was a special tradition making the Passover food very healthy physically and spiritually.
The seder was followed by spirited singing of familiar Passover songs. The evening ended about 10:30pm and many happy freedom eaters went home for a good post 4 cups of wine rest.