San Diego Women Gather For A Special Passover Seder

On March 16, more than 160 women of all ages attended the annual Women’s Seder, a collaborative event on behalf of the Women of Beth Israel, Waters of Eden, and the Jewish Federation of San Diego County.

Federation was thrilled to partake in and sponsor Women’s Seder, as such an event goes hand-in-hand with Shalom San Diego – one of Federation’s main initiatives. The overall goal of Shalom San Diego is to transform San Diego into one of the most welcoming, inclusive, connected, caring, enduring, and vibrant Jewish communities in the nation, which is now being led by Women’s Philanthropy – a new and exciting new change around here!

The seder was themed around the concepts of freedom and renewal, in the spirit of Passover, and was led by two outstanding leaders in our local Jewish community – Rabbi and Cantor Arlene Bernstein and Rabbi Lenore Bohm. The special, heart-warming, and inspiring evening featured music by Andy Mayer and performances by Heidi Gantwerk and Myla Wingard.

Although the event was advertised as a seder for women, female young adults and teenagers were encouraged to attend and were invited to the seder for free of charge. “Federation and Women’s Philanthropy were pleased to underwrite the cost of the seder for teenage girls involved in Congregation Beth Israel’s Rosh Hodesh program, said Lisa Kala, Director of Women’s Philanthropy. “It only makes sense to invite and immerse these young ladies in such women’s programming now, as they are the future leaders of the San Diego Jewish community.”

“The seder was truly a special event, and I am glad to have been a part of the wonderful evening in celebration of women and Passover” said Silvana Christy, a loyal volunteer and board member of Women’s Philanthropy. “It was extremely meaningful and important to have sponsored the teenage girls – our future mothers and wives.”