Big Tent Judaism

Guide for an Inclusive Interfaith Seder

Passover begins soon, and for many families that means preparations are well underway. And with increasing rates of intermarriage, more Seders will be populated by people unfamiliar with Passover and all of its traditions. That’s why we created a guide for holding an Inclusive Interfaith Seder, printed yesterday by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency on its Passover blog. It also mentions our ongoing “Preparing for Passover” blog series written by participants in The Mothers Circle. The purpose of the guide is to show how using the holiday’s themes of freedom and welcoming can help interfaith families make their Seder an inclusive event the will resonate with everyone.

Click the link below to read all of our suggestions. What else would you add to the list?

We left Israel as a Mixed Multitude
As you tell the story of the exodus from slavery in Egypt, remind everyone sitting around that it wasn’t only ancient Israelites who were liberated. In the Torah, we are told that we left Egypt as a “mixed multitude.” This means that from the beginning of the Passover story, it’s a story not of Jewish liberation, but a universal representation of freedom.

Honor the Newcomers
Go further than merely acknowledging the newcomers sitting around your Seder table. Let them know their presence is truly a blessing. By choosing to partake, the newcomers are aligning themselves with the Jewish community and casting their lot with the Jewish people. Vocalize your appreciation during the Seder by expressing how thankful we are for their participation.

Think Outside the Haggadah
While the Haggadah (Passover prayer book) guides us through the Seder, nothing is stopping us from supplementing the story with readings from other books. For instance, if you find a passage relevant to the themes of Passover in literature beyond the Jewish community, bring it to the meal to share. Emphasize that the meaning of Passover can be found and expressed in a variety of ways.

Find a Role for the Newcomer
The Seder is a participatory meal. While typically children at the table (no matter their age) might ask the four questions, readings are often divided up throughout. Perhaps the newcomer grew up with a ritual in their own religion that mirrors something about Passover. Encouraging them to share their stories will help weave themselves into the tapestry of our own.

Make the Seder Enjoyable
Just because a Seder might be long doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Passover is a remarkably optimistic holiday, and the Seder should reflect those feelings of hope and renewal. Teach your guests new songs; let them know its okay to pound on the table to the rhythm of the songs. Infuse as much joy into the meal as possible, as Passover is a time of unadulterated celebration.

Remember: It’s All About Family
Above all else, the Seder is a time to celebrate family and togetherness. We wouldn’t be here without the courage of our ancestors and the “strangers” who joined them. When we invite people into our home, they become a part of our family. Whether they are joining us because they have married into the Jewish community or are just close friends, the Seder table becomes a place to recognize the people that make our lives special.

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