Community Passover Seder returns to North Idaho

POST FALLS — Memories of family and friends gathered as the four cups of wine are poured, the four questions are asked and the Matzah is served all contribute to Passover’s popularity in the Jewish community.

Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho is organizing a community Passover Seder to bring the warmth and tradition of this festival to North Idaho’s Jewish community. It will be held at 7:15 p.m. Friday at VFW Post 3603, 1225 E. Third Ave., Post Falls.

The Seder will be run by student rabbis Dovid Lifshitz from Boise and Mendel Weisfish from Brooklyn. It will take participants through the liberation of Jewish ancestors from Egyptian bondage while sharing the relevance and beauty of the age-old festival in modern times. Included in the Seder will be a dinner of traditional cuisine paired with fine wines and handmade round "shmurah" Matzah from Israel.

“Passover is not simply a celebration of the historic liberation of an ancient people,” said Rabbi Mendel Lifshitz, director of the Chabad Jewish Center in Boise, the movement’s regional headquarters.

“Passover is about our own personal liberation — physically, emotionally and spiritually. Passover inspires us to break free from our own limitations and complacency, restraining us from reaching new heights," he said. "We are delighted to offer this — once again — to Jewish residents of North Idaho.”

Dovid Lifshitz said celebrating Jewish traditions "brings diversity and sanctity to the community.

"Teaching and learning from each other promises to be a rewarding experience, which we look forward to," he said.

All are welcome to the community Seder. Space is limited. Reservations are required and can be made by emailing the visiting rabbis at rovingrabbis@jewishidaho.com or by calling at 208-488-8318. The event is free. Donations are welcome.