Looking for a communal Pesach seder?

SUZANNE BELLING

Even for those who are unlikely to be lonely over this period, catered kosher l’Pesach seders obviate much of the dreaded preparation for Passover.

The SA Jewish Report did a survey around the country of where these events would be held, trying to be as inclusive as possible.

JOHANNESBURG

West Street Shul is organising a second night seder, which will be conducted by Rabbi Ryan Goldstein at the shul.

A traditional meal will be served at a cost of R480 per adult and R150 per child. To make a reservation, call Ronnie at 082 446 9264 or Cindy at 072 415 3222.

At Chabad of Glenhazel/Lyndhurst, Rabbi Eli Spinner will be joined by his father-in-law, Rabbi Alex Carlebach, for a second night seder

Early bookings are reduced to R250 per adult and R120 per child, if paid by March 23. Thereafter, the cost is R350 per adult and R200 per child. RSVP to Pnina at 073 029 4341 or Rabbi Eli at 081 835 2002.

A fully kosher l’Pesach seder will be held at Temple Israel in Hillbrow on the first night. Rabbi Adrian Michael Schell will lead the seder and Lael Bethlehem will be in attendance.

The cost is R200 per person and R80 for children under 12. Call Reeva at 083 228 7777 to book.

According to Rabbi Jonathan Fox of the Chevrah Kadisha, Sandringham Gardens, Our Parents Home and the Capri have vacancies for both seders, at R180 per night for adults and half price for children.

For bookings, contact Avril at Sandringham Gardens on 011 532 9600, Denise at Our Parents Home on 011 489 7000 and Ian at the Capri on 084 480 9517.

CENTURION

As part of their upscale Pesach experience known as the Pesach Retreat, Rabbi Ari and Batya Kievman welcome anyone staying in the Centurion area to attend one of their seders at the nearby Velmore Hotel.

For further information and prices, phone Batya at 072 801 7491.

PRETORIA

The communal seder is at Jaffa, the Jewish retirement home.

In addition to the 80 residents at Jaffa, another 100 people are expected to attend. The cost is R280 per person for adults and R140 for children.

CAPE TOWN

Yet again the Green and Sea Point Hebrew Congregation (Marais Road Shul) is having two seders in the synagogue hall. The first night is being conducted by Rabbi Pini Hecht and the second, by renowned cantor Ivor Joffe.

The price is R415 per adult, R270 per student, R240 for children under 12, and R80 for children under four. The shul prefers booking and payment to be done online at www.maraisroadshul.com, or phone 021 439 7543.

The Cape Town Hebrew Congregation (Great Synagogue, Gardens) is having the first night seder at the Albow Centre. Rabbi Osher Feldman will conduct the seder. The price is R350 for adults and R240 for children. To book, call Tammy on 021 465 1405.

The communal seder at Temple Israel in Green Point takes place on the first night. The price is R300 per adult and R180 per child under 13. To book, contact Liza at 021 434 8901.

Beit Midrash Morasha in Arthurs Road is already sold out for the second night (there is no communal seder on the first night).

Avron Almeleh of Avron’s Place, who usually runs a Pesach retreat at the President Hotel, says this year there will be seders on both nights in the Sephardi Shul Hall. Rabbi David Benchlouch, of the Sephardi Hebrew Congregation, will be in attendance.

The prices are R650 per adult; R450 per child and R250 for children under five.

Avron’s place will be open for meals throughout Pesach and Chol HaMoed.

The Milnerton Hebrew Congregation will hold a second night seder. The prices are R250 for adults, R165 for children aged five to 12, and there is no charge for children aged four and under. Contact Janine at 021 552 4285 as soon as possible.

Chabad of the West Coast (Blouberg) is having the first night seder only, conducted by Rabbi Asher Deren.

There is a family special of R850 for two adults and two children under 12. The regular cost is R300 per adult and R200 per child aged between three and 12. Members of the Cape Jewish Seniors Association will pay only R200.

For bookings contact Mandy at admin@sinaiacademy.co.za or phone 021 557 7560.

Claremont Wynberg Hebrew Congregation is holding the first seder only, conducted by Rabbi Matthew Liebenberg.

Prices are R325 for adults, students and scholars, R225 for seniors over 65, R150 for children aged five to 12, and there is no charge for children under four.

Please book by Friday, March 23. Call Marion on 021 671 9007.

DURBAN

The communal seder on the first night will be at the Silverton Road Shul and on the second night, at the Izinga Shul. Call the Silverton Shul at 031 201 5177 or e-mail the Izinga Shul at admin@umhlangajewishcentre.co.za

Chabad in Umhlanga will host seders on both nights.

The cost is R350 per adult, R220 for children aged 10 to 18, and R175 for children under 10 who require a place setting. To book, call the Chabad office at 031 561 2487.