Elgin, Hoffman Estates synagogues host ‘Passover Around the World’

Congregation Kneseth Israel in Elgin, together with Beth Tikvah Congregation in Hoffman Estates, is hosting a Passover Seder on Saturday, April 12.

This seder is part of Passover Across America, sponsored by NJOP (formerly known at National Jewish Outreach Project). It is themed “Passover Around the World,” as we explore different Passover traditions, here in the United States and around the world. The food will also reflect tastes from around the world, including a charoset bar and international kosher for Passover wines.

Designed to be a participatory seder to involve people of all ages, from the youngest, a 3-month-old to the oldest, a 103-year-old. All created to ask the question, “Why? Why is this night different from all other nights.”

There is special, expanded children’s programming led by educational director Heather Weiser, special music led by Cantorial Leader Ilana Axel, from Beth Tikvah.

Cantorial Leader Ilana Axel adds, “The songs of Passover heighten and refresh our communal experience, raising our voices together in both ritual and innovative melodies in each generation,” she adds. We are introducing a new and expanded telling of the Passover story with traditions from around the world and a new-to-the-congregation haggadah.

“While Passover is the most celebrated of Jewish holidays in America, according to NJOP approximately four million Jews are not affiliated with any religious institution,” said Rabbi Margaret Frisch Klein. “Working together with NJOP enables us to be able to expand our reach and make Passover more accessible. It will help people with limited exposure or knowledge more access to this ancient, meaningful tradition. And we also then get to teach the next level of Hebrew reading for adults.”

The president of Congregation Kneseth Israel adds, “We are particularly excited about weaving in traditions like the hamsas from Mubai, scallions from Iran and Afghanistan, jewelry from Austria and Hungry and more. We will also pause to remember the remaining hostages and weave in other newer, more modern symbols to add to the seder plate — or a basket like they do in Tunisia.”

“The message of Passover is timeless. From slavery to freedom, each of us is to see ourselves as if we were redeemed, out of Egypt, out of the narrow places.”

Heather Weiser, Congregation Kneseth Israel’s director of education, said, “A congressional Seder is a great way for everyone to participate and make memories to last a lifetime.”

For more information. call Congregation Kneseth Israel, (847) 741-5656 or visit www.ckielgin.org.