Chag Pesach Sameach!
About a hundred seniors enjoyed matzoh and music during a model Seder to celebrate Passover at the Jewish Association Serving the Aging in Manhattan Beach on April 6. Guests couldn’t have asked for a better feast over which to tell the story of the Israelites’ escape from ancient Egypt, said one Manhattan Beacher who has attended for the past few years.
“It was fabulous. I have been there several times but this was the best. The food was extraordinary, the entertainment was excellent,” said Dorothy Chizzik. “It was just lovely. I was honored to be there.”
The center hosts the annual special Seder for seniors as a way to bring the traditional meal to those who may not otherwise have an opportunity to celebrate. And with it comes musical entertainment, dancing, and delicious food, said Chizzik.
“The food was superb — got a whole chicken stuffed with matzoh and carrots mixed with pineapple,” she said. “It was just excellent, and potatoes — beautiful, brown potatoes.”
Queens Rabbi Yossi Mendelson has joined the seniors for the past three years, and each time finds more meaningful ways to connect the story of Passover to today, he said.
“The JASA Model Seder is the highlight of my spiritual Passover preparations,” said Mendelson. “Singing Passover songs, discussing the story of our slavery and exodus with such a diverse group of people, many of whom struggle with issues of access, mobility and independence — all issues that relate to Passover — really challenges me to find new relevance to this ancient story.”
