This year, once again, Passover Seders looked different for Toronto’s Jewish community. With fewer of our loved ones around the table, we have taken on new, creative ways to connect to each other.
For the past 50 years, the Bernard Betel Centre has hosted an annual community Seder with partners and funders that welcomes seniors, their families and community members to celebrate Passover together. The event provides an affordable traditional experience, with a kosher meal, the telling of the Passover story, songs and is a wonderful opportunity for individuals to celebrate Passover with others in the community. This year, due to COVID-19, the Bernard Betel Centre shifted this in-person experience to an online platform.
On Sunday, March 28, close to 80 seniors and community members attended the Bernard Betel Centre’s inclusive Virtual Second Night Seder. The online event was a wonderful opportunity for individuals to connect and celebrate together. We were pleased to welcome City of Toronto Mayor John Tory and York Centre MP Ya’ara Saks to this community Seder.
“I have just had the privilege of being a part of a close, warm and most inviting event. This is the second Pesach that my husband and I have not been able to enjoy the Seder with our loving family. Tonight’s Seder brought us together with another family, the Betel Family!” – Seder Participant
