The Jewish community in Bradford West Gwillimbury is invited to have its own “exodus” with two free Passover seders next week.
“In every Jewish home, we have a seder. Most people, even from non-religious homes, know what a seder is,” said Rabbi Yosef Nakkar, of Jewish Bradford. “We have a small Jewish community growing in Bradford. We’re just trying to get the community together.”
On April 19 and April 20, Jewish Bradford is hosting seders, or ceremonial dinners, for Passover, which celebrates a story from 3,300 years ago.
At that time, Jewish people were slaves in Egypt, and God sent Moses to command the pharaoh to release them, said Nakkar.
When the pharaoh refused, God released 10 plagues as punishment, and the Jewish people were eventually released from slavery, he said, adding God gave Moses the Torah at Mount Sinai soon after.
The message of the story still resonates with the Jewish community today, Nakkar said.
“Every day we’re supposed to leave Egypt. Everyone has their own limitations that make it harder to serve God,” he said. “When we break out… that’s an exodus. We break free.”
Jewish Bradford’s seders are open to men, women and children, and they will include the traditional matzah, or unleavened bread, and wine.
“It’s open to everyone, but it is a very strong Jewish thing,” Nakkar said. “If somebody doesn’t have a place to go… they can come here.”
PASSOVER SEDERS:
WHERE: Jewish Bradford, 121 Mooney St., Bradford
WHEN: Friday, April 19 from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturday, April 20 from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
COST: Free
RSVP: Contact Jewish Bradford with how many people are attending and to which seders at [email protected] or 647-458-8770.
