This was the first year I am not celebrating Passover with my grandmother. She passed away almost a year ago, and the last time I visited her, we had a mini-Seder at her apartment, and she was thrilled that my dad and I could be there with her.
In her honor, I wanted to make sure I attended a community Seder this year, and I actually ended up going to two! The first was a few weeks ago, so a little early, but it still had the same sentiment, even if it wasn't actually head during the true week of Passover.
The first Seder I went to was held at the Capital Jewish Museum, which is still pretty new. This event focused a lot on social justice. There were fifteen partner groups who helped with the event! Each one had a table, and a representative from each group read part of the one-of-a-kind haggadah. This was a modern twist on an ancient tradition, but I really enjoyed it. We talked about protecting the environment, standing up for our LGBTQ+ neighbors, and remembering that there is still much suffering in today's world, just as the Israelites suffered in Egypt. There was a lot of singing (as usual), but also a lot of clapping, and sometimes I felt like I was a kid at summer camp (and not in a good way). But that was probably the only part of the evening I didn't like. I came to the event on my own, but all the people at my table were very nice, and the food was delicious! There was actually food on the table when we arrived, so we had snacks to tide us over while we waited for the main meal. I especially enjoyed the flourless chocolate cake, which was actually a chocolate mousse cake, which is even better! The slice was huge, and I loved every bite of it. I have attended a couple of events at the Museum, and I thought this one was very well done.
For my second Seder, which was held on the real first night of Passover, I went to Washington Hebrew, where I have taken a couple of continuing education classes over the past few months (I highly recommend their "12 Jewish Questions" program!). Several tables were reserved specifically for their young professionals group called "2239," so I sat with a few friends and met some new people, too. But there were people of all ages there, and it was cute seeing the little kids search for the afikomen and sing the Four Questions. There was more singing throughout the evening, and the cantor Susan Bortnick has a beautiful voice (although at times I felt like she was making up her own melodies and was channeling her inner Aurora from Sleeping Beauty). We went through the haggadah pretty quickly, and then it was time to eat!
A few people at our table were gluten-free, so I had the chance to try the gluten-free matzah, and it was really good (probably because it's very salty and tastes like a regular cracker!). The catering staff forgot the salt water on the tables, but we dipped our parsley in wine instead (we had to drink four glasses anyway, right?). The horseradish was very spicy, just like my Grandma would have liked it! I always just take a little bit because I can't handle it, but my friend took a BIG dollop of horseradish, and she was crying it was so hot! The rest of the meal included chicken, roasted vegetables, and a side salad that came with a maple tahini dressing that we all thought was delicious. A tray of cookies constituted dessert, and the rainbow ones are my favorite. I will admit that I found a Ziplock bag and took MANY cookies home... But, they were just going to be thrown out, right? I was trying to help limit the food waste!
I am so glad I had the opportunity to enjoy these two Seders and to spend that time with friends and new neighbors alike. I am so thankful to be a part of the Jewish community in Washington, D.C. and to celebrate this special time of year with others when I can no longer do so with my grandmother.
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