Southern Maine Seders and Passover Programs 2023

Happy Pesach everyone! Time to clean house, stock up on matzah, rid yourself of pesky chametz, and rehearse your Da-Dayenu‘s. As we prepare for Passover, here are 8 great Passover Events to help you celebrate with your community here in Southern Maine.

COMMUNITY MODEL SEDER

Presented by Etz Chaim, 34 Bacon St., Biddeford
Wednesday, March 29th | 4:30 – 5:30 PM

The seder will be followed by a festive meal of matzah ball soup, smoked brisket, tzimmes, hard boiled eggs, charoset, macaroons and fruit, matzah (regular and chocolate covered), and grape juice/wine.

Come join the in-person seder at the synagogue (34 Bacon St., Biddeford); 4:30 – 6 pm. Or join us online via Zoom and Facebook; 4:30 – 5:30 pm (Information on how to join to be sent upon registration). Registration required for both in-person and online registration. Space is limited! Register today!


THIS YEAR WE ARE SLAVES, NEXT YEAR WE ARE FREE: A VIRTUAL PASSOVER WORKSHOP WITH RABBI ANDY BACHMAN

Presented by the JCA – Online via Zoom
Thursday, March 30th | 7:00 – 8:30 PM

Join Rabbi Andy Bachman in pre-Passover virtual workshop examining the basic structure and central message of the Haggadah, and new ways to observe that “In every generation one should regard oneself as though they had come out of Egypt.”

The Jewish people’s redemption from slavery is at the center of the Exodus story. But the Passover Seder allows us to ask questions, to think aloud, even argue, about the meaning of these ancient words. The Seder table is a place to tell an ancient story in our own contemporary context, with so much happening around us — racism, anti-Semitism, homophobia, poverty — so many of us and our neighbors are not yet free.

The Haggadah creates the space for a personal and communal journey toward redemption.


UNPACK THE PASSOVER SEDER WITH RABBI VINIKOOR

Beth Israel Congregation, 862 Washington St, Bath
Sunday, April 2nd | 4:00 PM

Looking to deepen your Passover seder experience? Join us for conversation and learning about the history and content of the Passover seder as well as innovative approaches to seders today. Not on our email list? Inquire about registration at office@bethisraelbath.org.

 


COMMUNITY PASSOVER SEDERS

Chabad of Maine, 11 Pomeroy Street, Portland, ME
First Seder Night: Wednesday, April 5th | 5:45pm
Second Seder Night: Thursday, April 6th | 8:30 pm

*Early bird special – RSVP by March 31st: Adult $45 | Children $22
After March 31st: Adults $50 | Children $25

 


COMMUNITY PASSOVER SEDER

Chabad of Brunswick – Chabad’s Jewish Center
Wednesday, April 5th | 6:00 PM

Enjoy the holiday of freedom at an upbeat inspirational Seder, complete with a gourmet Passover dinner, the original hand-made Shmurah Matzah, and four cups of exquisite Kosher wine. Journey with us through the Haggadah, with traditional songs, stories, and spiritual insights. Our Seder is English friendly so everyone can feel welcome. Limited Space. Registration required.


FAMILY FRIENDLY SECOND NIGHT PASSOVER SEDER

In-person at Congregation Bet Ha’am, 81 Westbrook St. South Portland
Thursday, April 6th | 5:30 PM

Bet Ha’am’s family friendly second night Passover seder returns live and in-person, but with a twist!

How is this different from Passover seder events in the past? On this night, we ask you to bring your own family’s dinner/dessert.

The kitchen will not be available for heating/cooling/storing food, so we encourage you to create a cool Shulchan Orech (festive meal)–something you can enjoy at room temperature or from insulated containers. We’ll provide some ritual foods, vegetarian matzah ball soup, disposable dinnerware, cups, utensils, and napkins.

In addition to your own meal/dessert, please bring your own matzah, charoset, wine, and other beverages. We also need volunteers to bring seder plates and ritual foods to share with the table. Please register by Friday March 31st!


SHABBAT PASSOVER AT TBE

Temple Beth El, 400 Deering Avenue, Portland
Friday, April 7th | 5:30 – 7:30 PM

Feeling tired already from the idea of cooking Shabbat dinner after two seders? We have the solution for you! On Friday, April 7 (the Friday night during Passover), we will be hosting a kosher-for-Passover Shabbat dinner at TBE. We hope that you’ll join us! Registration is required and is due by April 2nd.

The menu will be as follows:

  • Matzah ball soup (vegetarian)
  • Salmon with quinoa
  • Crustless quiche (gluten-free, will also have a dairy-free option)
  • Kugel


RECOVERY-ORIENTED SEDER AT PRCC

Led by volunteer Rebecca Bass
Presented by the JCA in partnership with the Portland Recovery Community Center (PRCC)In person at PRCC – 102 Bishop Street, Portland
Friday, April 7th | 6:30 – 8:30 PM

During this special seder, we will explore how recovery from substance use disorder relates to the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. We will share our own journeys to personal freedom and how those journeys continue today. This intimate event is designed for people in the recovery community, regardless of background or beliefs. 

There is no charge to attend. The meal is a potluck, and participants are encouraged to bring something that adheres to Passover restrictions, though no one will be turned away. See this article for items to avoid: https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/what-is-not-ok-to-eat-on-passover/ 

Advance registration required by 6 PM on Wednesday, April 5th. 

 


Did we miss your Passover Event? Please email Trevor to be included!

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