Seder to weave tapestry of freedom

Women’s Pesach parties

By JEWISH REVIEW

article created on: 2009-03-15T00:00:00

Passages to Freedom: Our History is a Tapestry, a seder for women, will begin at 5:30 p.m., March 31, at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center.

“I was so energized by the passion and sense of community last year, that I wanted to be involved again,” said Robyn Spring, who returned with Michelle Eastern Gradow and Margi Dane to again chair the event presented by the Women’s Philanthropy Committee of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and the MJCC. Last year’s threesome has been joined by Amy Blauer.

Last year more than 120 women enjoyed the pre-Passover seder, with more expected this year.

“The feedback was fabulous,” said Spring. “All through the year I’ve had people tell me they want to come again. They say it was the highlight of their Passover experience and they want to come again and bring friends.”

Spring said the women’s seder is a time for Jewish women to enjoy a seder without responsibility.

“We’re able to just enjoy the evening without having to worry about being a hostess or a leader of the evening or the one responsible for other people’s spirituality and fun,” she said.

According to the seder invitation, “We are the weavers, as our mothers and grandmothers were, weaving the fabric of Jewish life.”

The seder will be led by Cantor Ida Rae Cahana.

The event in supported in part by Pearl Women’s Center.

Cost is $49 with reservations by March 17 and $59 thereafter. Sponsorship opportunities are available. To register, contact Rachel Halupowski at 503-892-7413 or Rachel@jewishportland.org or go to the federation Web site at www.jewishportland.org.