Community Passover Celebrations In OC
Passover 2013 begins the evening of March 25, concluding at sundown April 2. The Jewish holiday contains many ritual observances, orthodox and secular, for adults and children. Orange County is where families of any faith can take the opportunity to witness and celebrate the occasion and its traditions.
Temple Beth El
2A Liberty
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
(949) 362-3999
www.templebethelsoc.org
Temple Beth El of Aliso Viejo wants to emphasize the community in "Community Passover Seder." Rabbi Peter Levi and the clergy want all to remember that the Passover celebration for everyone and invite families to open their hearts and homes to host members of the extended TBE family this holiday. If you do not have a place to attend, TBE will ensure you have a place to celebrate Passover togetherness. True to this spirit, Temple Beth El also invites the Orange County community to remember their local food banks. Food donations can be brought to the temple for pickup. Second Night Seder will be held at Temple Beth El, Tuesday, March 26 at 5:30 p.m. Individual programs will be provided for adults and children; tailored for a more meaningful, integrated experience.
Ben David Messianic Jewish Congregation
651 W. Sunflower Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92707
(949) 551-2659
Hours: March 31, 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
www.bendavidmjc.org
The "Son of David" Messianic Jewish Congregation teaches that in the Messiah we all have the freedom to celebrate the Passover, so the congregation would like to welcome all; Jews and Gentiles, women, men and children, and people of all backgrounds to their Orange County Community Seder. The Messianic Passover Seder is open to the public, to share with and teach all interested parties the wonders of Passover. Eat, drink, sing, learn and share in the tradition of togetherness.
Benjies New York Deli
1828 N. Tustin Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 541-6263
www.benjiesdeli.com
The Passover seder, the ritual feast, can be celebrated, with equal reverence and success, out at a banquet hall or in your own home. Benjies New York Deli affords your family the opportunity to do both. Benjies will offer a special Passover menu at their Santa Ana location, or if you prefer, have your traditional meal at home with Benjies professional catering service. In the deli, or at your home, patrons will receive the complete Seder plate: matzo ball soup, potato kugel, roast chicken and brisket, vegetables and, yes, plenty of matzo. Entertain family and guests and maintain holiday tradition while letting Benjies do the work.
North County Chabad Center
19045 Yorba Linda Blvd.
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
(714) 693-0770
www.ocjewish.com
Whether you are a member of this or any synagogue, orthodox or otherwise, Chabad is "inclusive and non-judgmental" and their programs are open to all. The March 26, first night Community Passover Seder will feature a wonderful traditional dinner, live music and entertainment and a program describing the spirit and story behind Passover; the creation of the Jewish nation.
Pacific Community Of Cultural Jews
Orange County, CA
(949) 760-9006
www.pccjews.org
Sponsored by InterfaithFamily.com., promoting open exploration of Jewish life, the Pacific Community of Cultural Jews offers a secular and humanistic retelling of the Passover story. Rabbi Geela Rayzel Raphael provides Interfaith Passover Blessings to welcome non-Jews to the traditional seder. Enjoy a pot-luck meal while learning about the history and culture of the Jewish people. PCCJ supports and promotes a free, pluralistic environment with an open exchange of ideas. Check the website for updated event announcements and Passover celebrations in your area.
Christopher Schmidt is a freelance writer experiencing and espousing the glory that is Orange County. Driven to travel, drawn to sports, spirits and celebrity, Chris' work can be found on
Examiner.com.
