Jewish Community Center in Albuquerque to Host Earth Day Seder

Photo: Jewish Community Center

To commemorate the beginning of Passover, the Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Albuquerque is hosting a seder service on Friday, April 22. However, this is no ordinary seder. The ceremony and meal will celebrate Earth Day, which also falls on April 22.

In combining two occasions, the event prompts us to celebrate what we have and also remember our responsibilities to one another.  "Here at the Jewish Community Center, we think this is a marvelous and fun teaching and learning opportunity," said David Simon, executive director of the JCC.

Passover commemorates the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt, and their transition from slavery to freedom. The main ritual of Passover is the seder, which occurs on the first night (or, outside of Israel, the first two nights) of the holiday — a festive meal that involves the re-telling of the Exodus through stories and song and the consumption of ritual foods, including matzah and maror (bitter herbs).  -Chabad.org

"In 1970, the year of our first Earth Day, the movement gave voice to an emerging consciousness, channeling human energy toward environmental issues. Forty-six years later, we continue to lead with groundbreaking ideas and by the power of our example. Earth Day is more than just a single day — April 22, 2016. It’s bigger than attending a rally and taking a stand. This Earth Day and beyond, let’s make big stuff happen. Let’s plant 7.8 billion trees for the Earth. Let’s divest from fossil fuels and make cities 100% renewable. Let’s take the momentum from the Paris Climate Summit and build on it. -Earth Day Network

The entire community in the Albuquerque area to the Earth Day seder on April 22, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the JCC, 5520 Wyoming Blvd NE (map)

The JCC Passover Earth Day Seder will feature:

• A sumptuous multi-course meal (which will include some locally sourced food); The menu will include both meat (chicken) and vegetarian/vegan options. 
• Earth Day activities for children and adults, including raptor education, tree & herb planting, and environmental information. 
• Native American blessing and dance led by Shawn Price, a Navajo who also practices Judaism.
•  Concise Passover service and discussion of the convergences between the two occasions and various religious traditions. 

Tickets for the Seder are reasonable:  
Adult--$18
Child--$7
Family (parents and up to 4 children)--$50. 

Reservations must be made in advance by Friday, April 15. Call 505-348-4455.