Few Jewish holidays evoke the same warm sentiments as Passover. Memories of family and friends gathered as the four cups of wine are poured, the four questions asked and the Matzah served, all contribute to Passover’s popularity in the Jewish community. Bringing the warmth and tradition of this festival to the Mercer Island Community, Chabad Mercer Island is inviting all residents to participate in community Seders to be held on Monday night, April 10, and again on Tuesday night, April 11.

“The Seders take participants through the wondrous liberation of our ancestors from Egyptian bondage, while sharing the relevance and beauty of the age old festival in our modern lives,” according to a Chabad Mercer Island press release.

Included in the Seder will be a delectable catered dinner paired with a variety of fine imported wines and handmade round ‘Shmurah’ Matzah from Israel.

“Passover is not simply a celebration of the historic liberation of an ancient people,” Rabbi Nissan Kornfeld, Director of Chabad Mercer Island, stated in the press release. “Passover is about our own personal liberation – physically, emotionally and spiritually.”

“Passover inspires us to break free from the shackles restraining us from reaching new heights — in our lives, relationships, and connection with G-d,” he stated.

Chabad’s community seder is part of a global Passover campaign that began in 1954, when the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of blessed memory, considered the most influential rabbi in modern history, launched the Shmurah Matzah initiative as part of an effort to create awareness and promote observance of the holiday. An estimated four million hand-baked Shmurah Matzahs will be distributed by the Chabad-Lubavitch movement this year.

This year brings added significance as the world marks 50 years since, the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, launched the worldwide Tefillin campaign, a historic undertaking that took Jewish observance to the streets.

All are welcome to join the community seder, regardless of Jewish affiliation or background. Reservations can be made at www.ChabadMercerIsland.org/Seder.