Passover begins April 5. Here's how you can find seders and events in the Poconos and northeast Pa.
Passover, known to the Jewish faithful as Pesach, begins at sundown on April 5 and continues until sundown April 13.
The National Jewish Outreach Program provides resources for Passover Across America, a program that unites Jewish faithful with communities hosting holiday seder dinners. To find a seder near you, head to the NJOP website, and click "Passover Across America". You'll see options to join a seder, host a seder, or apply for a grant.
"Passover Across America brings together families, couples and singles to relive the exodus of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land." The website says. "No matter if you attend one or two Passover seders each year, have not attended a seder in a while, or have never experienced a traditional Passover seder, everyone is welcome."
NJOP also helps unite those looking to learn more about Passover, Haggadah and other topics with nearby classes.
To learn more, head to njop.org/passover.
Read on to find local Passover services and April events in the Poconos.
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Monroe County
Congregation B'nai Harim: Located at 5349 Pocono Crest Rd, Pocono Pines
B’nai Harim ("Children of the Mountains") is led by Rabbi Peg Kershenbaum and the congregation is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism. The congregation is known for hosting a variety of cultural classes and events online and in person.
Recent events held in March included a Purim party and an interfaith Ramadan Iftar with the local Turkish Muslim community, where information was shared about the importance of Ramadan as well as Pesach.
The congregation will hold a Festival Service and Yizkor at 10:15 a.m. April 12.
Other events slated for April include an online seminar on Jewish Pluralism with Dr. Ora Horn Prouser at 10 a.m. April 16. Prouser, who is Executive Vice President and Academic Dean of the Academy for Jewish Religion, is author of Esau’s Blessing: How the Bible Embraces Those with Special Needs. Rabbi Kershenbaum will moderate the program. Register online via the congregation's website.
Info: Go to bnaiharimpoconos.org/ or call 570-646-0100 to learn more.
Temple Israel of the Poconos: Located at 711 Wallace St., Stroudsburg
Temple Israel of the Poconos is led by Rabbi Johanan Bickhardt. The conservative-affiliated congregation was founded in 1919.
Rabbi Bickhardt leads services in person Friday evenings at 6 p.m., and Saturdays at 9:45 a.m.
The temple is supporting the 40th annual Law Day Race Judicata in memory of Edwin Krawitz. Participants can sign up to participate in a 5-mile race or 5-kilometer walk throughout Stroudsburg on April 30. Learn more by heading to the congregation's website or the Monroe County Bar Association website (monroebar.org). Proceeds benefit Special Recreation Services, Inc.
Info: Go to templepoconos.org for up-to-date events calendars or call 570-421-8781 to learn more.
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Jewish Resource Center of Poconos: Located at 1210 N 5th St., Stroudsburg.
The Jewish Resource Center of the Poconos was founded and has been led by Rabbi Yehuda Salkow since 2006. The center offers numerous educational, social and cultural resources for the local Jewish community.
The Resource Center is hosting a 4-day Passover Retreat from April 5-9. The registration deadline for the retreat was March 24.
Info: To see more events and learn more about the Jewish Resource Center go to poconojrc.org or call 570-517-0815.
Lackawanna County
Temple Hesed: Located at 1 Knox Rd, Scranton.
Temple Hesed, led by Rabbi Daniel Swartz, is a Union for Reform Judaism member synagogue and Scranton’s first and oldest Jewish congregation. Also known as the Temple of Loving Kindness, is a community of individuals and families from Lackawanna County and surrounding NEPA areas.
The congregation hosts Friday Shabbat services in person, online via Zoom, or streamed live via YouTube. See their online schedule on the congregation's "Event Calendar" webpage for more information.
Info: Learn more by going to templehesed.org or calling 570-344-7201.
Wayne County
Congregation Beth Israel: Located at 615 Court St., Honesdale.
Congregation Beth Israel of Honesdale is led by Rabbi Elliott Kleinman and is part of the Union of Reform Judaism. Since 1849, they boast their willingness to embrace change.
Beth Israel is hosting a 2nd Night Community Passover Seder at 6 p.m. on April 6 at the Hotel Wayne (1202 Main St., Honesdale).
Make your required reservation by Saturday to secure a spot. Tables for 4, 6 or 8 people are available; for those not reserving tables, open seating will be available.
To make a reservation, call Nina Lassley at 570-253-7820 and leave your name and number, or email moneybug@verizon.net. Send advance payments to 910 Maple Ave., Honesdale Pa. 18431.
Members and family members can enjoy Seder dinner for $40 per person, or $45 for non-member adults. Children up to age 12 are just $20. Hebrew school and pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah students are free of charge.
Info: For more information go to congregationbethisraelhonesdale.org or call 570-253-2222.
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Pike County
The Jewish Fellowship of Hemlock Farms: Located at 540 Forest Drive, Lords Valley.
According to the Jewish Fellowship of Hemlock Farms website, the fellowship has been the center of Jewish life in Pike County for over 40 years. As an unaffiliated non-profit religious organization, the congregation is made up of families and individuals "who foster and pursue the rituals, customs, and joys of Judaism, regardless of current or prior practice and/or affiliation."
Members consist of practitioners of Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative, Orthodox, and secular traditions, including full-time residents, weekenders, and snowbirds.
The JFHF will host an 8th Day of Passover Yizkor Service at 10 a.m. April 13, led by Rav Shoshana Mitrani Knapp.
Info: Learn more by checking out the website at jfhf.org, emailing jfhf1516@gmail.com, or calling 570-775-7497.
To add your event to this list, email afontones@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: How to find Passover seders and events in the Poconos this April
