Temple Beth Am to host Interfaith Community Seder

The Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo will sponsor the 19th annual Interfaith Community Seder from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 15 at Temple Beth Am, 4660 Sheridan Drive.

The event was formerly sponsored by the Buffalo/Niagara Chapter of the American Jewish Committee, which closed the area chapter in June 2007.

Rabbis Irwin A. Tanenbaum, Harry Rosenfeld and Ilana Schwartzman and cantor Susan Wehle will lead the service. The Seder dinner (Kosher dietary laws will be observed) is $25 per person.

Amherst residents Marcie and Marvin Frankel are the co-chairs of this year's event.

"This Seder celebrates freedom for all people and provides a hands-on approach to learning about a Jewish holiday ritual," Marcie said.

Marvin added, "The program is culturally enriching and enlightening, and one highlight is an inspirational sing-a-long led by Deacon James Anderson of New Hope Baptist Church of 'Go Down Moses', a song that is meaningful to many religious traditions."

This is one of the largest interfaith Seders in the country, with the majority of attendees and clergy representing other religious and ethnic groups.

The Seder is an opportunity to foster an understanding of Judaism and to increase mutual understanding and appreciation among participants and educators and to minimize or eliminate stereotyping, bigotry and anti-Semitism. A tour of the temple sanctuary following the Seder will be offered.

Reservations are due April 8, call the Jewish Federation office at 886-7750.