Passover Seders
Searching for a First or Second Night Seder?
This page contains all of the details about the Seders. Use the links below to jump down the page to the section you want to read about first.
Outline of the evening
Testimonials from 2009
Time and Place
What language?
Is this Seder for you?
Menu
Making a reservation
Want to Help?
Any Questions?
Already know you want to attend?
You can jump directly to learn more about reservations here.
First night seder is closed. Second night seder is closed. Information on walk-ins below.
Outline of the evening
Rabbi Judith Hauptman, founder of Ohel Ayalah, and Cantorial Soloist Josh Gorfinkle, will lead. The Seder will take place in the large upstairs hall at First Presbyterian. Sitting around tables with a spread of veggies, dips, and other snacks, we will delve into a haggadah, prepared by David Arnow, author of Creating Lively Seders (www.livelyseders.com), especially for this Seder. It combines traditional texts with stimulating activities, contemporary musings, and plenty of seder songs. We will read (sometimes in Hebrew and sometimes in English), sing, discuss, and debate. And also shmooze. After immersing ourselves (pun intended!) in the haggadah for about two hours, we will be served dinner buffet style (menu below). And after that, Grace, Hallel, and a lot of singing. This includes Cantor Josh’s rap version of Ehad Mi Yode’a! The entire event, from beginning to end, will take about four hours.
Testimonials fom 2009 Seders
I just want to thank you again for providing a home for my little family for the first night seder. There are so few non Orthodox public seders for the first night. It is really greatly appreciated. Thanks again for all your hard work! - Julia P.
With the experience of the first Seder, I was equipped to lead the second night in a way that encouraged participation from everyone, particularly the kids. It was great being at a Seder where we weren’t “slaves” to the same old rote words while still maintaining the order and all the required sections. - Robert W.
The rabbi runs a wonderful warm seder and makes everyone feel welcome no matter what their age. - Carl A.
The seder at Ohel Ayalah was one of the most meaningful and entertaining seders that I have ever attended. I really enjoyed the friendly and relaxed atmosphere, singing, and interactive discussion. I would definitely come back next year and recommend to my friends! - SG 31 years old
I loved the discussion around the table—we began by being strangers and ended by being friends. - Not named
Very friendly and inviting. Good food and I enjoyed the prayers and singing. I also like the way the tables were set. It was very easy to talk to people. I loved having instruments @ the table so we could really get into the spirit. - Not named
I liked the happy and community feelings. - Not named
I liked that everyone there was in or around my age group. I liked that they tried to get people to get to know each other. I liked that I had a place to go for the 2nd seder when I otherwise wouldn’t have. Also, the price was great. - Not named
It was fantastic. I particularly enjoyed the interactive discussion. I’ve never really participated in anything like this before. The time flew by and I learned a lot about both Passover as well as the people at my table. It was a perfect combination of learning/religion and socializing. The table rotation was great—I really had the chance to meet a lot of new and interesting people. I also very much enjoyed the musical instruments. Finally, I really appreciated the fact that everything was so efficient and well organized! - Not named
As a person who is in the process of converting to Judaism, I was able to understand, have fun, and meet new people. - Not named
Yes, being new in the city, it was very comforting to be in a familiar setting, even with strangers—it felt like family. - Not named
Time and Place
The first Seder will begin at 6:30 pm and end at 10:30. Doors open at 6 p.m.
The second Seder will begin at 7 pm and end at 11.
NEW THIS YEAR: at the Second Seder for 20s and 30s, there will be time before the seder begins to taste some wine. Doors open at 6:30. So come early and spend some time tasting different wines.
LOCATION: Great Hall of First Presbyterian Church, 12 West 12 Street, Greenwich Village (Manhattan, New York City).
What language?
If you don’t read Hebrew, not a problem. The haggadah includes the Hebrew text and English translation, and for many segments — songs in particular — it also provides transliteration of the Hebrew. You will be able to take the haggadah home with you.
Is this Seder for you?
The first night Seder is reaching out to people of all ages. This means that you fit the age parameters(!). The second night Seder is only for people in their 20s and 30s. It will begin later and end later. Price for each Seder? $38.
Menu
The meal will be ample and traditional, but simple rather than gourmet. It will include: gefilte fish, chicken, salad, roasted potatoes, carrot tzimmis, grilled vegetables. Carbonated beverage. A rich (cookie) dessert follows. Matzah unlimited. Wine — the traditional four cups. All food is kosher for Passover and is from Beth Torah Caterers of Forest Hills, NY.
Ohel Ayalah is going green. . .
We are purchasing paper items that are mostly recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable.
Make a reservation (by paying!)
PLEASE NOTE: This year, unlike last, we will ask you to answer four questions(!) before you pay. Simple ones, like “where did you first hear about the seder?”
FIRST SEDER UPDATE as of March 23, 8 a.m.
First night Seder for All Ages is closed. Waitlist is also closed. Since some people who made reservations do not show up, and even some people on the waitlist do not show up, there is a reasonable chance you will still get in. Please have a check or cash ready. No credit cards at the door. If you can make other arrangements for the seder, please do so. Weblink below to other community seders.
SECOND SEDER UPDATE as of March 28, 3:30 p.m.: Second night seder for 20s and 30s is closed. You can still come to the seder as a walk-in. See below.
You can find other community seders in Manhattan at this URL (pdf): UJA Fed NY website
Can you come to the seder as a walk-in? Yes, people are admitted at the door. We cannot guarantee that you will get in but your chances are very good. Each year there are people with reservations who decide, at the last minute, not to show up. If we find that there are empty seats about 15 min. into the seder, we will accept walk-ins at that time. Preference on the first night will be given to people on the waitlist. Price will still be $38 p/p. We do not take credit cards at the door. We do accept cash or a check (made out to Ohel Ayalah).
Please bring a current photo ID.
Ohel Ayalah is a religious corporation. A check for the seder is for a “service” and is not, therefore, tax deductible. For your information, the $38 fee covers the cost of the food and wine alone. Donations will cover the other costs.
Want to help?
If you wish to make a donation, beyond the $38 fee of the Seder, to help cover the associated costs of renting the rooms at the church, paying for kitchen and serving staff, etc., you may do so on Paypal. Just fill in the amount you’d like to donate and click the button.