2nd Inter-Community Seder Welcomes 47 Community Groups

On Sunday, March 19, 2023, Jewish Federation of Greater Raleigh held our 2nd Inter-Community Seder, welcoming over 125 people who represented 47 community organizations, law enforcement agencies, local government bodies, churches, temples and several additional organizations.

The Seder started with a welcoming from Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin who stated that antisemitism has no place in the world today, and endorsing the Federation’s work to bring people together from across traditional community boundaries. She then introduced Cub Scout Pack 613 sponsored by Temple Beth Or, which led the Pledge of Allegiance.

During the program, Federation CEO Phil Brodsky led guests through a service using a custom-made Haggadah that highlighted the main elements of a traditional Passover Seder, while including discussion questions for the guests around current issues. Additionally, five leaders from across Greater Raleigh society shared guest readings from their traditions that aligned with the Jewish values of Passover. Guest leaders included Rabbi Ariel Edery of Shalom, Torri Stanton of the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, Bishop Dr. Paul Leeland of United Methodist Church, Gunvant Bhakta of the Triangle Area Hindu Temples Association, and Commissioner Vicki Adamson of the Wake County Commissioners. Additionally, Andrii, an Ukrainian Refugee who came to North Carolina in the last year, shared his journey from the war in Ukraine to arriving in our state.

Volunteers from the Jewish community were table hosts, guiding guests through the Seder and facilitating discussion with prepared questions, and the Triangle Jewish Ensemble sang classic Seder songs.

Guests walked away from the Seder having found common ground based on shared values from all our traditions, and building greater trust so that we can support each other in the future.

List of Participating Organizations

Andrew Davidson & Co.