On Thursday, March 18th, AJC Cleveland held its 18th Annual Community Leadership Seder. Over 160 “households” joined and, although held virtually, there was a real feeling of connectivity and community. The Community Leadership Seder is a highlight of AJC Cleveland's programming year and has become one of the community's most significant and joyous civic, interfaith, and intergroup gatherings. Even virtually, the Seder was successful in creating meaningful moments, intimate conversations, and compelling connections.
Rabbi Jonathan Cohen (The Temple-Tifereth Israel) led a meaningful Seder, sharing with guests how the lessons of our past are so very relevant today. Cantor Kathy Sebo (The Temple-Tifereth Israel), along with Rev. Chris Smith, Rev. Andy Call, and Tony Sias, brought rich and joyous musical performances to the Seder. AJC Cleveland friends, Justin Herdman and Elizabeth Hijar, William Tarter, Jr., Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, and Kristin Warzocha, shared powerful reflections on the meaning of freedom.
As the Seder began, Rachel Uram, AJC Cleveland President, shared, “while there has been much darkness, there is also much hope, and that is what Passover is about. It is a time to reflect and recommit. The lessons of our past, along with the realities of today, bring us to a time when we must stand and be counted.”
In addition to the evening's Seder, guests were additional resources to explore through the AJC Cleveland Virtual Seder ToolKit. This Virtual Seder ToolKit includes items such as a digital copy of the AJC Cleveland Haggadah, a template to build a Seder plate, information to learn more about AJC, and much, much more.
For more information on this year's Seder or AJC Cleveland, email cleveland@ajc.org or call (216) 781-6035.
