Passover celebrations at Temple Bat Yam
Every year Jews around the world celebrate Passover to commemorate the exodus of the children of Israel from Egyptian slavery as described in the Hebrew Scriptures (often referred to as the Old Testament). It’s considered a pilgrim festival which has historical and agricultural significance and is celebrated by Reform Jews for seven days in the spring during harvest time.
The Hebrew Scriptures describe the 10 plagues that God was said to have caused to punish the Egyptians when the Pharaoh refused to set the Jews free. The last of these was the slaughter of the Egyptian first born children. In order for the Jews to be exempt from this plague, they were instructed to mark their doorposts and lintels with the blood of a Pascal Lamb so that the Angel of Death would “Pass Over” the Jewish households.
When the Pharaoh finally relented, Moses led the Jews to the Sea of Reeds (the “Red Sea”), which God had caused to part allowing the Jews to cross safely, while the Egyptians in pursuit were drowned. The story of this saga in ancient Egypt is read annually at the Seder table so that all Jews today are to consider that they, too, were part of that exodus out of Egypt led by Moses.
Bat Yam’s Passover Seder this year will be at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 14, the first night of Passover, at the Sanibel Community House on 2173 Periwinkle Way. We will make every effort to accommodate all who wish to participate in this traditionally sold-out event. This will be a catered dinner including all the favorite traditional Passover foods, supplemented by side dishes and desserts prepared by Bat Yam’s own master chefs. Guests may provide their own personal Seder plates, matzoh covers, wine and any other traditional table items to create a homelike ambience.
The cost will be: $40 for Bat Yam members and immediate family guests, $50 for non-member guests, and $18 for children 10 and under.
Reservations can be made with members of the Seder Committee: Miriam Bailey (489-0460; MiriamBailey@aol.com) or Ann Arnoff,(472-8809; AnnOf Sanibel@aol.com). They will direct you as to where to send your check.
The community is welcome to join Bat Yam members for this special evening. Please indicate the number of people in your party and any seating requests. Tables will seat up to eight or nine people. Interested parties are encouraged to make their reservations now.