Shul members, their families and guests, and visitors to the North Fork are invited to participate in two Passover Seders, to be held on Friday and Saturday, April 19 and 20. Rabbi Gadi will lead the Seder service on both nights, in the community room, beginning at 6 p.m.

This is the second consecutive year that the first Seder falls on the Christian holiday of Good Friday, observed as the day Jesus was crucified by Roman authorities. This concurrence adds significance for some observers of both faiths. The night before Jesus was crucified, his last meal was a Seder.

The ceremonial portion of the Passover observance retells the story of the Exodus in which the ancient Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt. Jews throughout the world have celebrated Passover for more than 3,000 years, and yet the story of religious freedom is as meaningful today as it was during the time of the Pharaohs. The ceremony will be followed by a festive dinner, catered by Nassau Kosher Kitchen of East Meadow, Long Island.

The Seder follows an order of service prescribed in the Haggadah, which tells the story, explains the symbols, addresses the issue of slavery, reflects on the beauty of freedom, and expresses gratitude to God for life’s many blessings. Among the symbolic foods served at the Seder is a mixture called haroset, made from chopped apples, nuts, wine and spices, which symbolizes the mortar that the Jewish slaves made for bricks in Egypt. Matza is served as a reminder of the hastily prepared unrisen bread made by the Jews as they fled from Egypt across the desert. A roasted lamb bone is a reminder of the sacrifice that spared the Jewish children from God’s plague. Salt water represents tears, and horseradish the bitterness of slavery, but parsley and eggs symbolize rebirth.

The dinner will feature traditional foods associated with the holiday, such as chicken soup with matza balls, homemade gefilte fish, roasted brisket, potato pudding, and fruit and nut desserts.

The cost is $60 per person, no charge for children 12 and under. Reservations are required. Please call Elaine Goldman at 631-765-3504 by Monday, April 1, to reserve a place at the Seder table.