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Community Women’s Seder slated for March

By Shelly M. Sampon

February 1st, 2011

The Community Women’s Seder, a strong tradition in Milwaukee’s Jewish community has been slated for Thursday, March 31, 6:45 p.m.

The Seder, which will be held at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, is being convened by the Women’s Division of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center (JCC) and the National Council of Jewish Women-Milwaukee Section (NCJW).

The Women’s Seder has a rich history of providing women ages sixth grade and older the opportunity to come together for an evening of song, dance, sisterhood and spirituality.

Participants in the Community Women’s Seder will be given the opportunity to bring Passover food for members of the community who are in need.

The theme for this year’s Seder is Kehilat Nashim or “Community of Women”, and Seder co-chairs Alisa Wasserman and Eileen Graves believe this event will bring a diverse group of women together.

“To create a Kehilat Nashim — a community of women — we strive to be inclusive, intergenerational and respectful of varied traditions,” said Graves.

Added Wasserman: “Milwaukee has such a wonderful diversity in its Jewish population, and we welcome that in both the planning of and participation in the Community Women’s Seder.”

To prepare for the Seder, the planning committee was populated with liaisons chosen by Milwaukee Jewish organizations, so every organization’s voice could be heard. Though the backgrounds of the many volunteers vary, a common thread can be seen in their motivation: tradition.

“I see the Women’s Seder as a community gathering that is important on both social and educational levels. I feel that I am giving back to the community that has provided this opportunity to me in the past, and paying it forward to future generations to keep it going,” said Wasserman.

Graves also relates to this strong sense of tradition. “I have attended and participated in most of the past Seders, and I feel privileged to have been asked to continue and add to this wonderful legacy that was passed on by so many strong Jewish women,” she said.

As the JCC’s staff member for the Community Women’s Seder, Rabbi Shari Shamah has already experienced the powerful and positive effects of diversity.

“Staffing the Community Women’s Seder allows me to work with people I have never worked with before.” Shamah said. “The stories of how significant this Seder is to the countless women we have heard from who attended in the past inspires me to work even harder to make this event special for everyone, regardless of age or background.”

In addition to the March 31 event, the committee is hosting a Pre-Seder event at Art Trooper in Mequon on Wednesday, March 16. Participants will make Seder plates to be used at the Community Women’s Seder.

For both the Community Women’s Seder and the Pre-Seder event, online signup is available at www.milwaukeejewish.org; or RSVP to Cheryl at 414-390-5775 or cherylv@milwaukeejewish.org. Please contact Rabbi Shari Shamah at 414-967-8229 with any questions.

Wednesday, March 16, 7 p.m.

Art Trooper, 11055 N. Port Washington Rd.

Thursday, March 31, 6:45 p.m.

Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd.

Cost: $20 for adults, $12 for students (sixth grade through age 22)