Jewish families across the Northwest are preparing to celebrate one of the community’s most significant holidays. Passover, or Pesach, commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt.
The holiday's name derives from the miraculous tenth plague, when God "passed over" the homes of the Israelites, sparing their firstborn while striking the Egyptians. Passover will begin on the evening of April 12 and conclude at nightfall on April 20.
Central to Passover observance is the prohibition against consuming leavened products (hametz) and the eating of …
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Jewish families across the Northwest are preparing to celebrate one of the community’s most significant holidays. Passover, or Pesach, commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt.
The holiday's name derives from the miraculous tenth plague, when God "passed over" the homes of the Israelites, sparing their firstborn while striking the Egyptians. Passover will begin on the evening of April 12 and conclude at nightfall on April 20.
Central to Passover observance is the prohibition against consuming leavened products (hametz) and the eating of unleavened bread (matzah). The heart of the celebration is the seder, a ritual meal that recounts the Exodus story while looking forward to future redemption.
Across Philadelphia, congregations and organizations are opening their doors to community members seeking to participate in this tradition:
Vegetarian Seder
Germantown Jewish Centre invites community members to join their kosher for Passover vegetarian seder on April 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. Led by student Rabbi Maria Pulzetti, the service will be at 400 W. Ellet Street.
Young Adult Engagement
For Philadelphia's younger Jewish population in their 20s and 30s, Tribe 12 offers two distinct second-night seder experiences on Sunday, April 13, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Weitzman Museum (101 S. Independence Mall East). Their "Fiddler on the Roof" themed seder promises singalongs and playful matchmaking components, while a more traditional community seder runs concurrently. Both events feature gluten-free, kosher for Passover meals.
Chabad Celebrations
Rabbi Yitzchok and Pessy Gurevitz of Chabad of Northwest Philadelphia welcome guests to gourmet Passover cuisine with interactive seders on both April 12 and 13 at 9 p.m. Meanwhile, Chabad of Lafayette Hill hosts community seders beginning after 8:20 p.m. on both evenings, featuring traditional elements including hand-baked Shmurah Matzah and unique customs.
Synagogue Gathering
Beth Tikvah B’nai Jeshurun in Erdenheim will host a second-night seder on April 13 at 6 p.m., providing another option for community celebration.
