Attending Temple Emanu-El’s annual Honolulu Community Passover Seder service and dinner April 7 is a valuable teaching tool for younger generations, says Marcia Klompus, an organizer of the event.
An explicit requirement of the weeklong Passover celebration, according to the Torah, is that parents tell their children of the Jewish people’s dramatic escape from slavery in Egypt 3,000 years ago, Klompus said.
"This is how we teach our children the significance of this holiday. When you actually feel, see and touch it, that’s how you gain an understanding of these religious ceremonies," said Klompus, co-president of The Sisterhood of Temple Emanu-El.
The event will be from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. April 7 at the Hale Koa Hotel’s Waikiki Ballroom.
Emanu-El Rabbi Peter Schaktman said Passover, called "Pesach" in Hebrew, means "passed over." The Book of Exodus in the Torah recounts how Jews were directed by God, through Moses, to mark their door frames with the blood of an unblemished lamb. The blood would protect them from the 10th plague of death that would strike down the firstborn children and livestock of the Egyptians to force them to release the Jews from slavery, he said.
On the eve of their escape, Jews were told to kill and roast a lamb, and to eat it with bitter herbs and unleavened bread (matzo), as there was no time to let the bread rise in their haste to leave. At the event a ceremonial Seder plate will be placed on each table, including symbolic foods such as a roasted egg, greens, a bitter herb, a shank bone of lamb, and charoset, a mixture of apples, nuts and spices, Schaktman said.
Tickets cost $45 for children and enlisted military, $60 for members and sponsors, $80 for other adults. For reservations, accepted until April 4, visit www. shaloha.com and click on Passover Seder. For further details, email templesisterhood@gmail.com or call 595-7521, ext. 211.
CHABAD EVENT
Chabad of Hawaii, in the former Hawaiian Hut building at the Ala Moana Hotel, is sponsoring several community Seder services and dinners, open to all residents and visitors, April 6-14.
Prayer services begin at 6:30 p.m., and meals will follow. Reservations and prepayment are required for all meals; discounted rates are available for military, students and kamaaina. For details call 735-8161 or email chabadhawaii@aol.com.
