Together at the table: Building community through Passover

As we move into the month of Adar and begin to look toward Passover, we are reminded that Jewish tradition calls on us not only to remember our history, but to experience it together. The seder is not meant to be observed alone; it is designed to be shared, across generations, across experiences, and across the many ways we each find meaning in our community.

At Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minnesota, that belief comes to life through three unique seders:

The PJ Library Chocolate Seder invites families with young children to experience Passover through joy, creativity, and sensory play. Chocolate frogs, sweet treats, and interactive storytelling bring the story of the Exodus to life in ways that are accessible and memorable for little ones. Families are meeting one another, children are seeing themselves as part of a larger Jewish story, and parents are building connections that extend far beyond a single afternoon. It is often a first step into community, one that feels warm, welcoming, and full of possibility.

The Addiction and Recovery Services (ARS) Freedom from Addiction Seder offers a different kind of gathering; one rooted in courage, honesty, and hope. Here, the Passover story of liberation resonates in deeply personal ways. Participants come together to reflect on their own journeys, honor the strength it takes to seek freedom from addiction, and find support in a community that understands. The rituals of the seder take on layered meaning, creating space for both reflection and resilience. In sharing stories and sitting side by side, participants remind one another that no one has to navigate these challenges alone.

The Caring Connections Annual Proman Seder reflects the heart of what it means to build inclusive community. JFCS’ Caring Connections provides opportunities for Jewish adults with disabilities to participate in social and educational experiences while engaging meaningfully in Jewish holidays, celebrations, and traditions. At every gathering, participants find belonging, friendship, and a whole lot of fun – and the Passover seder is no exception.

At this year’s Proman Caring Connections Passover Seder, participants will come together to sing, dance, eat, and celebrate. The room will be filled with energy, joy, and connection, as traditions are shared in ways that are accessible and engaging for all. Beyond the music and the meal, what will stand out most is the sense of community, people showing up fully as themselves, embraced and included.

While each of these seders is distinct, they are all grounded in the same core idea: that connection is essential to well-being. Whether through the joyful curiosity of a child, the strength of someone in recovery, or the inclusive spirit of adults gathering through Caring Connections, these moments of shared experience are what sustain us.

Passover tells the story of a people moving from isolation to freedom, from hardship to hope. At JFCS, we see that journey reflected not only in the ancient text, but in the lives of those we serve every day. Through these seders, we help create spaces where that story continues, where people come together, find one another, and build community in meaningful and lasting ways.

As we prepare for the holiday, we invite you to consider how you might be part of that story, by joining us, supporting this work, or simply reaching out to someone who could use a seat at the table. Because in the end, it is not just the rituals that define Passover. It is the people we share them with.

Freedom from Addiction Seder – 6-9 p.m. Monday, April 6

PJ Library Chocolate Seder – 3-5 p.m. Sunday, March 15

Find other community seders and Seder-Matching on TC Jewfolk’s Holiday Guide.