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Celebrating Passover in Sacramento

Passover commemorates the freedom of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt.
Credit: Thinkstock
Traditional pesah plate at a Jewish Passover seder.

As the arrival of Spring comes, so too does the season of Easter and Passover in the Christian and Jewish faiths. 

While Easter commemorates the death and resurrection of Christ, Passover commemorates the freedom of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Passover is highlighted by the Passover seder, where the exodus is read and a symbolic meal that includes: 

  • Bitter herbs (horseradish): representing the hard times and bitterness of the Jews as slaves
  • A hardboiled egg: representing the circle of life
  • Charoset (a sweet fruit and nut mixture): representing the brick and mortar the Jews used to build things for the Egyptians
  • Shank bone: representing the sacrifice in the ten plagues
  • Parsley to dip in salt water: representing the tears of the Jews

For the eight days of Passover or Pesach, leavened bread is strictly avoided. Passover begins Friday, April 19 and continues through April 27. While some of the events below have suggested donations, many groups write that no person will be turned away for lack of funds. 

 PASSOVER EVENTS

  • Chabad of Greater Sacramento: Holiday service followed by community Seders
    • When: 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20
    • Where: 945 Evelyn Lane, Sacramento, CA.
    • RSVP at www.sacjewishlife.org 
  • Sacramento Bible Church for the Deaf: Feast of Passover
    • When:  6 p.m. on Friday, April 19
    • Where: 5619 Marconi Ave. Sacramento, CA.
    • The deadline to RSVP has passed, but you can learn more here.
  • Hillel at Davis and Sacramento: Passover Seder
    • When: 6 p.m. on Friday, April 19
    • Where: 328 A St, Davis, CA
    • The deadline for online tickets has passed, but you can call (530) 756-3708 to learn about availability or learn more here.
  • Chabad Jewish Community Center: Community Passover Seder
    • When: 7:30 p.m on Friday, April 19  
    • Where: Hampton Inn & Suites, 155 Placerville Rd., Folsom, CA.
    • The deadline to RSVP has passed, but you can learn more here.
  • Chabad Jewish Center of Chico: Passover Seders, 2 nights
    • When: 
      • 8 p.m. on Friday, April 19
      • 8:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 20
    • Where: 440 W 4th St., Chico, CA.
    • Reserve a seat by visiting www.jewishchico.com
  • Chabad of Placer County: First Seder, second seder and special children's seder. 
    • When: 
      • First Seder: 6:45 p.m. on Friday, April 19
      • Childrens' Seder: 6:45 p.m. on Friday, Apri l19
      • Second-night Seder: 9 p.m., on Saturday, April 20
    • Where: The Chabad House JCC, 4410 Douglas Blvd., Granite Bay, CA.
    • RSVP and find more details at www.jewishroseville.com
  • Congregation of Zion: 15th Annual Passover Seder 
    • When: 6 p.m. on Friday, April 19
    • Where: City of Stockton Auditorium Civic Memorial, 525 N Center Dr., Stockton, CA.
    • To learn more about reservations call (209) 474-3255.  

Also celebrating Easter? There are six Easter egg hunts to visit in Sacramento

 

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