Hundreds share public pre-Passover Seder tonight at Stambaugh

YOUNGSTOWN

A pre-Passover Seder at Stambaugh Auditorium attracted 218 people who participated in the ritual meal celebrating the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt.

Rabbi Joseph Schonberger of Temple El Emeth in Liberty led the event tonight with commentary by the Rev. George Balasko, retired priest in the Diocese of Youngstown. The two lead Jewish/Christian Studies North.

Jack Kravitz, owner of Kravitz Delicatessen, suggested the community Seder. “It’s part of our effort at sharing cultures,” he said.

He added the deli, which prepared the meal, is the site of various celebrations such as Octoberfest, St. Patrick’s Day and Polish Fest.

“The Seder is a real celebration of Judaism,” he said. Passover begins at sundown April 14.

Rabbi Schonberger said the Seder, usually a family event, offers a “sense of connection” among participants. “There is a formality to it, as the order of a Roman meal, and it’s filled with lessons,” he said. “The Romans ate on couches on their left sides because everyone was right-handed.” So, he noted, the tradition is to “lean to the left” as a symbol of being free.

Read more about the event in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.