After a COVID-forced hiatus, Stephen Wise Temple’s Second Night Seder was back and in-person this past weekend, returning to its place as the centerpiece of our yearly Passover programming.

A gathering of more than 70 children and adults from the Wise community enjoyed an enriching, entertaining, and musical evening at Katz Family Pavilion. You can read some of the material discussed in our special digital Passover Haggadah Supplement, with contributions from each of our clergy.

With beautiful music led by Cantorial intern Josh Goldberg (with guest percussionist Ava Hahas), as well as words of wisdom from Rabbi David Woznica and Rabbi Josh Knobel, participants enjoyed the company of their fellow Wise community members, young and old. Of particular importance was the attendance of several Aaron Milken Center families, who were able to expose their little ones to a beloved Stephen Wise Temple staple.

Attendees of the Second Night Seder gushed over not only the engaging and enlightening experience, but the sumptuous feast, catered by Evolution.

“This will now be part of our Passover tradition,” said Stephen Wise Temple member Karen Denvir.

Click here to let us know if you’re interested in joining us for next year’s Seder!

Please join us in person again this Saturday at 10 a.m. in Geldin Chapel for our closing Yizkor service. The service will feature Wise teens and recent b’nei mitzvah reading Deuteronomy 15-16 for the community.

Traditionally, Yizkor—the memorial player for departed loved ones—is said four times a year: The eighth day of Passover, the second day of Shavuot, on Yom Kippur, and Sh’mini Atzeret. It is recited during the morning services after the Torah reading.