Many of the Pesach events in our Liberal and Reform communities left an empty chair, as part of the Board of Deputies’ 'Seder Seat for a Hostage' initiative for the 100+men, women and children still held captive.
More than 100 people attended the Nottingham Liberal Synagogue Communal Seder, describing it as “the best ever”. Families were especially encouraged to join with a special area was set for children on the bimah. Rabbi Gili Zidkiyahu led with warmth and enthusiasm and resident musicians David Bogod and Norman Randall added a light hearted tone to the evening.
The Sinai Synagogue hall in Leeds was filled with more than 100 guests, for a Seder led by Cantor Rachel Weston, her first since her appointment last year. (picture by Simon@addictive.media).
Lincolnshire Jewish Community held their communal Seder on the first night of Pesach, with members attending from all over Lincolnshire and beyond.
This year's Seder at the South London Liberal Synagogue was a very special one. Not only in the presence of one Mayor, two Peers of the Realm, a Council Leader and numerous Councillors, but in the atmosphere of togetherness and joy.
Blackpool Reform Synagogue held a second night communal Seder with a difference – everyone bringing their own main course to go along with the communal Seder plate, wine, matzah and traditional boiled eggs in salt water.
Over 125 members and friends attended Seder at East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue, led by Rabbi Richard Jacobi and run by a team of volunteers including Alice Wilcock, Jane Port and Rachel Kamall.
Newcastle Reform Synagogue celebrated a wonderful and very poignant first night Seder with over 100 people aged from under one to over 90 years old in attendance. Student Rabbi Jennifer Verson led the service, where a seat was left for the community’s ‘adopted’ hostage Amiram Cooper
Nearly 70 guests attended York Liberal Jewish Community’s largest ever communal Seder, led by Rabbi Elisheva Salamo. It included a wonderful rendition of Chad Gadya led by the community’s children, including some performances of a lifetime.
On the first night of Pesach, Ne’ve Shalom, Hull Reform Synagogue, shared a Seder that enjoyed good food and good company.
The communal Seder at The Liberal Synagogue Elstree was a delightful and thought-provoking evening with songs, readings, an exciting hunt for the Afikomen and a delicious selection of dishes to share.
Members of Menorah Synagogue enjoyed a matzah ramble today around Knutsford and Tatton Park.
Finchley Reform Synagogue's younger cadre of service leaders helped to lead the community's 7th day Pesach service.
Sukkat Shalom Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community (ELJC) hosted a seder, where Rabbi Mark Solomon led the group in prayer and song.
Brentwood and Shenfield Reform Synagogue were joined by other local communities for their Passover celebration.
More than 30 members and friends attended the Stevenage Liberal Synagogue Communal Seder, where seats were left for those being held hostage by Hamas.
A successful communal second night Seder was thoroughly enjoyed by all at Radlett Reform Synagogue.
Wimbledon Synagogue fostered a spirit of community and understanding by hosting an open Passover Seder for 100 guests from diverse faiths and backgrounds across south west London. Read the full story here.
Southgate Progressive Synagogue, Finchley Progressive Synagogue and Shar'arei Tsedek North London Reform united for a joint historical 7th day Pesach service. Read the full story here.
Sha'arei Tsedek North London Reform Synagogue also held their own second night Seder. Under the admirable guidance of Rabbi Shulamit Ambalu and Student Rabbi Andrea Kulikovsky, and plenty of enthusiastic participation from all who attended, it was a fun, thoughtful and uplifting evening.
Makor Hayim marked Pesach with a series of events that highlighted the community's commitment to solidarity, social justice, dialogue and interfaith collaboration – including a celebration of Mimouna which brought together 36 people from various backgrounds, showcasing a spirit of unity and shared celebration.
Rabbi Warren Elf led the Southend & District Reform communal Seder, which had 40 people in attendance.
At the Kingston Liberal Synagogue communal Seder, on the second evening of Passover, they introduced the hostage they have adopted as a community. Omri Miran, 46, is a husband and father of two young children and will have a seat in the Kingston sanctuary until he is returned home.
