By TBE Pulpit Committee Member and TBE Member EJ Olsen
The TBE Pulpit Committee, clergy, and staff were charged this year with creating a memorable program of Passover events. The program featured virtual classes and lectures, as well as a pair of distanced outdoor events intended to safely bring the community together for the holiday.
“This has been very challenging year for our TBE family, as well as the Jewish community at large,” said Rabbi Josh Whinston, “We felt it was very important to make this Pesach as meaningful as possible.”
The events kicked off on March 14 with a virtual lecture examining the meaning and symbols of the Seder from Liturgist Alden Solovy. Next, Rabbi Whinston led an outdoor family Seder on March 21 at the Burns Park Pavilion. On March 23, an online program looked at resources for creating a meaningful Seder, both in person and through zoom. On March 27, the Women of TBE created an entire Persian Passover Meal, sharing tips and recipes.
TBE hosted its annual virtual Community Second Night Seder on March 28, this year offering participants a choice of five differently focused Seders, including Social Action, Family Friendly, and Text Study, as well as more traditional options.
Events culminated on Sat. April 3 with a lighthearted approach to experiencing the meaning of the Ten Plagues in a drive-through installation at the Washtenaw Farm Council grounds. Afterward, participants settled in with a catered box dinner to enjoy a drive-in screening of The Prince of Egypt.
Finally, congregants were encouraged to meditate on the impact of the Plagues on the Israelites, as well the impact that disasters and adversity can have on people today. In that spirit, all were encouraged to consider giving goods, time, and/or money to make a difference and help wipe out the plagues that surround us today.