Temple Emanu-El members celebrate Passover and hold prayer for hostages

Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·1 min read
Temple Emanu-El members Dalia Rosenthal and Eileen Kozloff prepare homemade matzah ball soup for the Model Seder.
Temple Emanu-El members Dalia Rosenthal and Eileen Kozloff prepare homemade matzah ball soup for the Model Seder.

Temple Emanu-El members of every generation celebrated Passover – the holiday commemorating the Exodus from Egypt and the Israelites’ liberation from slavery – with festive Seder meals.

Temple Emanu-El Religious School students enjoyed an interactive Model Seder event on April 21, featuring themed decorations, homemade Passover foods, and a retelling of the Exodus story by teen volunteers costumed as Moses, Miriam, and Pharaoh.

Temple Emanu-El Religious School students share a bowl of matzah ball soup.
Temple Emanu-El Religious School students share a bowl of matzah ball soup.
Dr. Naomi Silva with her children Avya and Ishaan at Passover Seder.
Dr. Naomi Silva with her children Avya and Ishaan at Passover Seder.

On April 22, Temple Emanu-El Senior Rabbi Brenner Glickman conducted a traditional Seder for over 300 members and community guests. In addition to the ancient readings and rituals, attendees prayed for the 134 hostages still held captive by Hamas and placed a special Hostages Cup on the Seder table.

“As we celebrate our freedom this year, we cannot help but think of those who remain shackled in Gaza,” Rabbi Glickman said. “But we will never stop observing our sacred rite, and we pray for a redemption that is complete – for all of our people and all of God’s children.”

Robert Seide with his daughter Laura and son-in-law Andrew Bishop at Passover Seder.
Robert Seide with his daughter Laura and son-in-law Andrew Bishop at Passover Seder.
The Seder plate with traditional Passover foods.
The Seder plate with traditional Passover foods.

The weeklong holiday of Passover concludes at sundown on April 30.

Temple Emanu-El Religious School students enjoyed an interactive Model Seder event on April 21.
Temple Emanu-El Religious School students enjoyed an interactive Model Seder event on April 21.

Submitted by Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: At Temple Emanu-El, a celebration of Passover and prayer for hostages