‘Why is this night different than any other night?’

WARWICK — On Monday evening, March 25, the first night of Passover, Jewish families throughout the world gathered around the Seder table in their homes.

Passover commemorates a time when oppression gave way to freedom. And many agree that people of all faiths can find meaning in the celebration.

So it was at the Warwick Reformed Church on Maple Avenue in the Village of Warwick when both Christians and Jews, almost 100 adults and children, gathered around Seder tables to celebrate and learn about Passover.

Rev. Michael Otte, pastor of the Warwick Reformed Church, welcomed guests and said grace before the meal.

The Warwick Reformed Church was officially organized in 1804 and has held services in the same facility since 1890.

Moshe Schwartzberg, co-owner of Warwick’s Forever Jewelers, officiated at the Seder by explaining the meaning of the tradition to a group of mostly non-Jews in simple terms and with humor.

‘Order’
“We’re here to tell a story,” he said. “And it will take time so relax and enjoy the evening.”

Schwartzberg explained that the word “Seder” literally means,“order” in Hebrew. The name comes from the fact that the dinner is served in order with symbolic elements.

Every guest was provided with a book, donated by Warwick ShopRite, called the Haggadah, containing instructions for the Seder, blessings and Passover story. The book is read from rear to front in both English and Hebrew, which is read from right to left.

Schwartzberg began the ceremony by explaining that it begins with everyone filling his or her cup with wine or grape juice as a prayer, the Kiddush, is recited aloud after which everyone takes a sip.

An additional cup of wine is poured for Elijah and a door is opened so that the prophet can enter.

Schwartzberg said the custom is like a visit from Santa, whom we never see, but still welcome to every house.

Before the meal, he invited everyone to take a sprig of parsley, dip it in salt water and eat it.

“We do eat parsley” quipped Schwartzberg. “It can only get better from here.”

The Seder meal guests would soon enjoy a meal that included hard boiled eggs, chopped liver, horseradish, traditional “Gifilte fish” using a chicken substitute, vegetables, roasted potatoes, beef brisket and dessert.

During his presentation of each symbolic ritual Schwartzberg read the prayers for his guests in English, Hebrew and Aramaic, the most ancient language spoken by the Israelites.

‘Why is this night different?’
After the traditional breaking of the Matzah, it was time to tell the Passover story.

Michael Jakakas, 10, had volunteered to ask the questions beginning with one familiar to all Jewish families, “Why is this night different from all other nights?”

The questions were answered by Schwartzberg, who, with the aid of a slide projector depicting Biblical events, explained the story of how the Israelites became slaves in Egypt and how Moses, after threatening Pharaoh with 10 plagues, led them in an Exodus.

The tenth plague is where Passover derives its name, because while the Angel of Death visited Egypt it “passed over” Hebrew homes, which had been marked with lamb’s blood.

The Passover Seder at the Warwick Reformed Church was an idea born by Catherine DeMercado, a deacon with the church who also works for Forever Jewelers, owned by Schwartzberg and his daughter Sarah.

“She’s been bugging me to do this for two years,” laughed Schwartzberg.

DeMercado organized the event and enlisted volunteers including David and Carol O’Connor and David Dempster to set the tables, help with the food preparation, greet guests and serve the wine. Doris Schwartzberg and her daughter Sarah prepared the meal.

The Passover Seder was made possible by contributors including the Warwick Reformed Church, Forever Jewelers, ShopRite and individual donors.

- Roger Gavan