(Courtesy of HIR) The pandemic upended an over-40-year-old tradition at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale – the Bayit; hosting free Passover Seders open to all who wished to attend. Many people come year after year to enjoy a seder led originally by Rabbi Avi Weiss and in recent years by Rabbi Steven Exler.

The invitation from 1988 read, “If you are … a senior citizen … or a single parent … or alone … or looking for a beautiful Passover experience, come join us at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale…” This invitation captures what continues to be a critical part of the Bayit’s mission—welcoming all people and especially those who often feel unseen or overlooked.

In anticipating the opportunity to once again lead the Seder, the Bayit’s Senior Rabbi Steven Exler said: “We are thrilled to be celebrating Passover together again. We look forward to greeting friends, old and new, to celebrate the story of our Exodus.”

In the words of Bayit Executive Director Richard Langer: “We are so grateful to all the sponsors who empower us to offer this program at no charge to anyone who would otherwise be celebrating alone, or enjoys celebrating with the community. Two years ago, at the start of the pandemic, those sponsors underwrote delivering Passover meals to over 400 households on a ‘pay what you can afford’ pricing model. We are all grateful to be putting those funds back into the greatly valued in-person experience.”

The Seder this year, led by Rabbi Exler, will take place on the first night of Passover, April 15 at 8 p.m. The Seder takes place at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale – the Bayit, 3700 Henry Hudson Parkway, Bronx, NY 10463. To learn more or to make a reservation visit www.thebayit.org/seder,  or call 718-796-4730 ext. 101. This is a free event; however, reservations are still required.

For more information please contact Richard Langer ([email protected] 718-796-4730 x 104)