NEW ROCHELLE, NY — In a sharing of religious traditions, an Interfaith “Liberation Freedom Seder” celebrating the Passover/Easter Season” will be held at The College of New Rochelle on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at 6:00 P.M. Sponsored by the Coalition for Mutual Respect, an Interfaith Seder Dinner has been held for 25 years at a Catholic College during the two weeks preceding Passover.
A group led by Rabbi Emeritus Amiel Wohl of Temple Israel, and the Reverend Michael Rouse, Minister of St. Catherine A.M.E. Zion Church in New Rochelle – the two co-chairs of the Coalition for Mutual Respect- and comprised of the Student Ministry leaders of the Catholic colleges, plus other clergy and laity form the planning committee. Civic and political leaders join with the academic and educational personalities who attend.
The service is framed around the traditional Passover-Seder Service Haggadah (book of Passover) as presented in the Union Haggadah of the Central Conference of American Rabbis. Portions from the Union for Reform Judaism Model Interfaith Seder, the Koran, the writings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela and others who were prominent in the freedom struggle are utilized. A special tribute to Nelson Mandela of South Africa highlights a people struggling for freedom. The service, compiled and edited by Rabbi Emeritus Amiel Wohl, varies from year to year. The musical portion of the Seder has featured singing groups such as the Songcatchers led by Sister Beth Dowd. The Chapel Choir will perform this year as well.
The Seder fulfills a basic tenant of the Coaltion which was created with the aim of broadening the horizons of the New Rochelle and Westchester community in order to eliminate prejudice and discrimination and lessen tensions with joint educational and cultural activities.
A Passover style meal will be served at a total cost of $25.00 per person. Participants can sponsor a young person by adding $25.00 to the reservation check.
Checks should be made payable to “The Coalition for Mutual Respect” and mailed to The Coalition for Mutual Respect, 1000 Pinebrook Boulevard, New Rochelle, NY 10804. Call Rabbi Amiel Wohl with any questions at 914 235-1800.