Generations learn from each other at Weinstein JCC Seder

A lesson in Passover
At Weinstein JCC in Henrico, students teach seniors Jewish customs at model Seder feast Working at an library, Brooke Spieldenner is used to young folks asking her questions.

Yesterday, roles were switched when she learned from seventhand eight-graders from Rudlin Torah Academy, who led the annual intergenerational model Seder at the Weinstein JCC on Monument Avenue in Henrico County.

The 90-minute Seder, a Jewish ritual feast, was a first for Spieldenner.

"I'm honored to be here," said Spieldenner, a branch manager at West End Library. "I find the traditions and customs really refreshing."

Her teachers included table mates Max Nachman, 12, Meir Skaist, 13, and Josh Buffenstein, 13.

"It feels good to teach people . . . about Jewishness," Meir said.

During the Seder, the Haggadah, the book that tells the story of Passover, is read. Seder customs include eating symbolic foods that relate to the story of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt.

The program is designed to allow the generations to mingle and learn from each other. It precedes the Passover Seder, which this year will be celebrated April 8 and 9.

Participants dined on a traditional Seder meal: egg, parsley, bitter herbs (horseradish), roasted shank bone (in this case chicken leg), and charoset, a mix of apples, walnuts and wine.

Students carried containers of water for hand-washing and served the festive meal as part of their duties.

"This is a very abbreviated Seder," said Rabbi Yosef Bart of Rudlin Torah, adding that some can last more than four hours. "This is a learning experience. The students are acting out most of the procedures. It bridges the generations and allows the students to share their knowledge with older people, some who had never had an opportunity to come to a Seder before."

About two dozen youngsters participated in the program, which attracted 36 seniors, including two tables of Russian speakers.

Interpreter Lora Goldin asked her table in Russian what they thought of the Seder.

"Very nice," Valentina Pashkar quickly answered in English, as her table mates nodded their heads in agreement.

Contact Robin Farmer at (804) 649-6312 or .