Relive the Passover Exodus with Chabad Jewish Center

OCALA—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 Ocala & The Villages Community, the Chabad Jewish Center is inviting all residents to participate in community seders to be held on Friday night, April 22, 7:30 p.m. at the Webber Center—College of Central Florida and a Children’s Seder on Saturday night, April 23, 5:30 p.m., at the Chabad Jewish Center.

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. Included in the seder will be a delectable four-course, glatt-kosher 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,” said Rabbi Yossi Hecht, director of the Chabad Jewish Center. “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.”

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’s Passover celebrations also bring added significance as Jewish communities worldwide celebrate the year of Hakhel, a once-every-seven-years opportunity to celebrate Jewish unity and learning.

All are welcome to join the community seder, regardless of Jewish affiliation or background, no membership is required. Reservations are required and can be made online at http://www.JewishMarion.org.