Imagine 35 male adults from all different backgrounds, Russian, Hasidim, Reform, and Orthodox collectively sitting for a traditional seder celebrating Passover.
Passover of course is the holiday us Jews commemorate when the Jews were freed as slaves in Pharaoh’s Egypt.
As a child, my Mom and Dad would have a seder every year and everyone around the table had a chance to read a paragraph or two, sing songs, and take part in many Jewish rituals like eating Matzoh and drinking grape juice.
At 7pm, we started the evening with Shabbat services, then took a break, so that a half a dozen of us could prepare the room for the Passover Seder. Many of my memories as a child and as a Father to my own daughters came to light this special evening in Otisville.
First I helped put the tables and chairs out for 35 and then we set the table with all of the Passover traditions including a seder plate for each of the 6 tables, and small containers for each attendee that included salt water, and egg, charoset, lettuce and 3 large round matzos placed inside a matzah holder.
We had a short window to get all of this done which included a lot of boxes brought over from a storage bin, but we did it. I was thoroughly impressed with everything that was made available to us at The Camp for Passover.
Now it was time to get started with the seder. The marchar leading the way took the time to explain everything to everyone and the order of which it was going to happen. He explained that during the seder, it would be a mitzvah to drink 4 cups of grape juice or at least 1/2 cup each time.
Once the marchar was done explaining everything, another attendee said “someone needs to get started”, and the marchar then said “are we going to my left or to my right?”, and then guess what? I decided to start reading, and as I started to read I said to the marchar “Is that ok?” and the marchar then said “Yeah, go for it!” I thought it was a good move to get the seder started and a bit of a privilege too.
Of course, we all sang the Four Questions and Dai Yenu!
It was truly amazing looking around the entire room filled with Jews of different backgrounds all in unity for this holy holiday of Passover.
The matzah that was served was round and very fresh. This was not your typical matzah bought in the supermarket. This was extra special. It tasted and looked authentic.
We went around the table once and then the marchar took it from there on his own. He concluded the 1st portion and then we started to eat. First up was gefilte fish and cold salmon.
Between the grape juice, which I did have (4) servings of, and a lot of matzoh with gefilte fish, I was already full. The main course was served, and I never opened it. I am going to pace myself better for the 2nd Seder.
In summary, I find it incredibly special to be here for Purim and especially Passover because I grew up always having a seder and with my own family. Personally, I do feel a sense of brotherhood with many of my fellow campers, which makes it extra special.
Baruch Hashem I will be home soon to enjoy all of the holidays!
