Our Gourmet Seder

On Saturday April 12, the first night of Pesach, after weeks of remote preparation, administrative follow-up, and a concentrated 48 hours of work in kitchens at home and in the synagogue – all under the direction of Peter DB and Sarah S,  IJC members, friends and guests assembled in large numbers to celebrate the beginning of Pesach. It was to be a memorable Seder.

A large team of generous volunteers realized Peter’s beautiful table plans, while a similarly large team of volunteers toiled in the kitchen and dining area under Peter’s supervision, preparing the ingredients for his delicious menu. We started at table with a special version of Havdalah – without the besamin – to mark the transition from Shabbat to Yom Tov and lit the Yom Tov candles. As we turned to a solitary chair set aside at the back of the room, a young IJC member placed a single yellow flower in memory of the hostages while rabbi Brian recited a prayer.

L-R: Guilherme, Nezka, Agnieszka & Annemieke

We then followed the traditional order of the Seder, with the smells wafting in from the kitchen raising our excitement as we anticipated a delicious shulchan orech. Homemade gefilte fish was followed by delicious matzo ball soup decorated with edible flowers, all served by Peter DB, Sarah S and our wonderful volunteers. Grilled salmon and an inconceivable portobello ‘cheeseburger’ were the main options, accompanied by an amazing buffet of side dishes.  It was almost impossible to choose between the many options.

This year we introduced a couple of short pauses during the Seder, inviting guests to check under their plate for an envelope containing questions to inspire a Seder conversation. Some reflected on the struggles of the past year and their own personal exodus, others exchanged about liberation and future freedoms.

As we concluded the meal, our youngest members headed off in search of the afikomen, quickly found it, and claimed their reward. The final part of the Seder was marked by laughter and traditional song.

Romeo and his own kitchen team had already started the mammoth task of washing dishes and clearing up to prepare the space for our sister community Beth Hillel’s Seder scheduled for the second night of Pesach. They worked into the night, and we are deeply grateful for their contribution.

Thanks to Peter, Sarah and many volunteers, this year’s Seder was a great organisation and culinary success, creating the space for a reflective Seder.

Our gratitude to them and to all who made the Seder possible.

By Rabbi Brian