Community Corner
Video: Seniors Celebrate Passover at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia
Seniors celebrate the 30th annual seder.
Thirty seniors enjoyed a pre-Passover seder at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (JCCNV), led by Rabbi Amy R. Perlin, the Senior Rabbi at Temple B'nai Shalom in Fairfax Station.
Rabbi Perlin has officiated at a majority of the annual seders, now celebrating its thirtieth anniversary. Rabbi Perlin wrote the Haggadah which is read by seder participants as well as songs, encouraging everyone to sing along as well as share memories about seders when they were growing up. The seder tells the story of Passover and keeps the traditions alive.
"For some Seniors, this is their only Passover seder," said Pam Weiner, Director, Senior Adult Services. She explained that many people have lost family members and also prefer to drive during the day. Over 550 different seniors attend JCCNV programs monthly; many at the seder also are regular participants at trips as well as weekly activities.
Bertha Shostak, 97, said she comes to the seder every year "because of my friends", pointing to her friends near her, Diane Sollod, Carol Berman and Ruth Nass. Her friends chimed, almost in unison, "We like it because we didn't have to do the shopping and cooking." Nass also appreciates having the services of Metro Access to get to the JCCNV from McLean for $9, as she said she couldn't afford $48 for a taxi.
"I enjoy the community feeling by going to the seder," said Barbara Berger, who won the Afikomen prize. "It's a very nice warm feeling." Berger said she also enjoys the trips which are planned for the Active Retirees. "They are well-planned and it's nicer to go with a group of people," she said.
Marty Siegel said he first attended the JCCNV Seniors Seder two years ago. He established a new tradition for himself when his parents were no longer both alive and organizing family seders.
The Four Questions were chanted by Miriam Levine, who had come to the seder with her husband Carl, from Ashburn. At family seders, it is customary to have the youngest child chant the Four Questions, asking"Why is This Night Different From All Other Nights". However, Miriam said she was the next-to-the oldest of the participants there. Contributions for Mazon, a Jewish charity dedicated to provide food for those in need, were accepted.
Marta Palchik, Gourmet Catering, and her staff, prepared and served the kosher lunch.
The JCCNV offers a variety of other programs at the Center and throughout Northern Virginia. Many area synagogues also sponsor seders which are open to the community.
For information about programs for all ages at the JCCNV, check out www.jccnv.org.
