Video: Seniors Celebrate Passover at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia

Thirty seniors enjoyed a pre-Passover seder at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (JCCNV), led by Rabbi Amy R. Perlin, the Senior Rabbi at Temple B'nai Shalom in Fairfax Station.

Rabbi Perlin has officiated at a majority of the annual seders, now celebrating its 30th anniversary. The seder tells the story of Passover and keeps the traditions alive.

"For some seniors, this is their only Passover seder," said Pam Weiner, director of Senior Adult Services. She explained many people have lost family members or prefer to drive during the day. More than 550 different seniors attend JCCNV programs monthly; many at the seder also are regular participants for trips and weekly activities.  

Bertha Shostak, 97, said she comes to the seder every year "because of my friends," pointing to Diane Sollod, Carol Berman and Ruth Nass. Her friends chimed in, almost in unison, "We like it because we didn't have to do the shopping and cooking." Nass also appreciates having the services of Metro Access to get to the JCCNV from McLean for $9, as she said she couldn't afford $48 for a taxi.

"I enjoy the community feeling by going to the seder," said Barbara Berger, who won the Afikomen prize. "It's a very nice warm feeling."

Marty Siegel said he first attended the JCCNV Seniors Seder two years ago. He established a new tradition for himself when his parents were no longer both alive and organizing family seders.

The Four Questions were chanted by Miriam Levine, who had come to the seder with her husband Carl, from Ashburn. At family seders, it is customary to have the youngest child chant the Four Questions, asking "Why is This Night Different From All Other Nights." However, Miriam said she was the next-to-the oldest of the participants there. Contributions for Mazon, a Jewish charity dedicated to provide food for those in need, were accepted.

Marta Palchik, Gourmet Catering, and her staff, prepared and served the kosher lunch.

The JCCNV offers a variety of other programs at the center and throughout Northern Virginia. Many area synagogues also sponsor seders which are open to the community.

For information about programs for all ages at the JCCNV, check out www.jccnv.org.

Services in the area for the rest of Passover:

Second Day Service
When: 9 a.m.
Where: Congregation Beth Emeth, 12523 Lawyers Road, Herndon
Pricing: Free

Shabbat Hol haMoed, Saturday Service
When: 9 a.m.
Where: Congregation Beth Emeth, 12523 Lawyers Road, Herndon 

Service
When: 9 a.m., 7:30 p.m.
Where: Olam Tikvah, 3800 Glenbrook Road, Fairfax
Description: For more information, visit the congregation website.

Erev 7th Day Passover Service with Yizkor
When: 7 to 8 p.m.
Where: Temple Rodef Shalom, 2100 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church
Description: "Please join us for this informal festival service marking the end of Passover. As is customary, we will be reading the names of those in our community who have died since Rosh Hashanah."

Service
When: 9:30 a.m., 8:30 p.m.
Where: Olam Tikvah, 3800 Glenbrook Road, Fairfax
Description: For more information, visit the congregation website.

Seventh Day Service
When: 9 a.m.
Where: Congregation Beth Emeth, 12523 Lawyers Road, Herndon
Pricing: Free

Ma'ariv with Yizkor
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Congregation Beth Emeth, 12523 Lawyers Road, Herndon
Pricing: Free

Eighth Day Service with Yizkor
When: 9 a.m.
Where: Congregation Beth Emeth, 12523 Lawyers Road, Herndon
Pricing: Free

Service
When: 9:30 a.m., 8:30 p.m.
Where: Olam Tikvah, 3800 Glenbrook Road, Fairfax
Description: For more information, visit the congregation website.

Schedule for the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia this week:

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