Pre-Passover Seder at OJC celebrates, unifies women

Women from Jewish organizations around Long Island joined together for a pre-Passover Seder on March 29 at the Oceanside Jewish Center to celebrate the role of women throughout the religion’s history.

This year marked the ninth Joint Women’s Seder, which began as an idea by two synagogues — Temple Sinai of Lawrence and Temple Emanuel of Lynbrook, which have since joined to become Temple Am Echad — hoping to join forces to put on a religious celebration, according to Arliene Reich, event co-chairwoman.

The evening has since grown significantly, she added, and was sponsored this year by eight organizations, including the Sisterhood of Oceanside Jewish Center and the Temple Avodah Sisterhood. About 240 women attended.

“It really emphasizes the role of the women in Jewish history and Jewish life,” said Rhonnie Fischman, a congregant of Temple Beth El of Cedarhurst and publicity chairwoman for the event. “It gives us back our importance. Rather than just being in the kitchen making the chicken soup, we’re out there.”

A Seder is a ritual feast marking the beginning of Passover, a holiday that commemorates the biblically derived story of the Exodus, during which the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt. Though Moses is the figure often associated with the holiday, Fischman said, the event highlights Miriam, Moses’s sister, a leader of Jewish women who had a rebellious spirit.

“It was the women who had the vision that this is a long trek, but we’re going to get through it,” Fischman said. “We’re underlining the fact that women bring hope.”

In addition to the traditional Passover feast, the night — held at the OJC for the second time — featured readings from the Haggadah, as well as singing and dancing by the congregants.

“I think everybody really enjoyed it,” Reich said. “It’s a way to come together.”