Passover at Congregation Tifereth Israel

Community Participants Welcome

 Rabbi Myron Fenster, spiritual leader of Congregation Tifereth Israel, will lead members, guests and visitors in a Passover Seder on the first night of the eight-day holiday — Monday, April 18, beginning at 6:30 p.m., in the community room of the synagogue in Greenport. The ceremonial portion of the observance retells the story of the Exodus in which the ancient Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt. Jews throughout the world have celebrated Passover for more than 3,000 years, and yet the story of religious freedom is as meaningful today as it was during the time of the Pharaohs.  The ceremony will be followed by a festive dinner, catered by The Greenporter’s kosher catering division, headed by Chef Deborah Rivera Pittorino.

The Seder follows an order of service prescribed in a special prayer book, called a haggadah, which tells the story, explains the symbols, addresses the tragedy of slavery, reflects on the beauty of freedom, and expresses gratitude to God for life’s many blessings.

Among the symbolic foods served at the Seder is a mixture called haroset, made from chopped apples, nuts, wine and spices, which symbolizes the mortar that the Jewish slaves made for bricks in Egypt. Matza is served as a reminder of the hastily prepared unrisen bread made by the Jews as they fled from Egypt across the desert. A roasted lamb bone is a reminder of the sacrifice that spared the Jewish children from God’s plague. Salt water represents tears, and horseradish the bitterness of slavery, but parsley and eggs symbolize rebirth.

The dinner will feature traditional foods associated with the holiday, such as chicken soup with matza balls, homemade gefilte fish, roasted brisket, potato pudding, and fruit and nut desserts.

Costs are $65 for adults; $35 for youngsters and teens from ages 6 through 15, no charge for children 5 and younger. Reservations are required. Please call Elaine Goldman at 631-765-3504.

Congregation Tifereth Israel is located at 519 Fourth Street in Greenport, immediately south of the intersection with Front Street. The synagogue is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.