By Barrett Holman Leak
SAN DIEGO — The last week has been filled with many words and ten times as much food, with various seders at people’s homes. A very important one took place this year, symbolizing hopes for more liberation through unity.
The air in the social hall of Ohr Shalom Synagogue on Wednesday afternoon, April 16, crackled with a harmonious energy, a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse threads of San Diego’s community. This wasn’t only a seder event, organized by the Anti-Defamation League of San Diego; the event, “Together Towards Freedom Together” was a testament to the spirit of allyship, a heartwarming demonstration of interfaith outreach and civic unity.
Led by the trio of Jennifer Melzer, the Program Coordinator for the Nierman Preschool at the Lawrence Family JCC, her husband Rabbi Scott Meltzer, and ADL San Diego Regional Director Fabienne Perlov, it was an afternoon of hope and inspiration.
The traditional symbols of the seder took on an even deeper resonance in the presence of such a varied and distinguished gathering. Several Roman Catholic priests, bishops, and nuns sat alongside Protestant ministers, their presence a profound statement of solidarity and shared humanity. Representatives from vital Jewish organizations like the Playing Together Project and the Kindness Initiative mingled with San Diego City Councilmember Vivian Moreno and Paola Avila, Chief of Staff to Mayor Todd Gloria, demonstrating the commitment of local government to fostering inclusive communities.
The presence of Cindy Cipriani, Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney (D.O.J.) and Adam Gordon, the just-appointed U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California (D.O.J.) underscored the importance of justice and equality for all, while Ryan Darsey, Deputy Chief of Staff to Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, and Sweetwater Union High School District Board Member Marti Emerald, a member of the Jewish community, added further layers of civic engagement.
LGBTQ community leader Nicole Murray Ramirez, and San Diego City Human Relations Commissioner Rickie Brown, both tireless advocates for human rights, brought their passionate voices to the celebration.
Adding to the richness of the afternoon gathering were civil rights leaders from LGBTQ+ organizations and immigrant social justice movements, their presence a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and the importance of building bridges across different experiences.
The presence of leaders from the African American community further enriched the communal gathering through remembrance of their shared legacy of being enslaved in America and a collective understanding of freedom, liberation and continued struggle for equality that lies at the heart of the Passover story.
The Latinx community was also present, giving voice to the call for liberation. Sandra Scheller, the dedicated curator of the RUTH (Remember Us the Holocaust) exhibit, brought a powerful historical perspective, reminding everyone of the enduring importance of remembrance and vigilance against discrimination. Everyone applauded when she announced that the exhibit was given a home at the La Jolla branch of the San Diego Public Library.
The seder unfolded with traditional prayers and songs, beautifully led by Jennifer Meltzer. She also eloquently led participants through the Haggadah, retelling the story of The Exodus from slavery in Egypt and connecting the ancient narrative to the enduring themes of liberation and resilience.
As part of the seder, interspersed with prayers, song, readings and food, there was a powerful recollection of the Jewish people having come through numerous attacks, forced exile from various countries, pogroms, the violence of pogroms, the genocide of The Holocaust under the Nazi regime in Europe, and the recent October 7, 2023 genocidal attack on Israel by the terrorist group Hamas. These historical accounts underscored the significance of freedom and the imperative to stand against all forms of oppression.
Adding a deeply personal dimension to the afternoon, Lou Pechi briefly shared a shocking testimony about how he escaped the Nazis as a little boy, his words serving as a stark reminder of the human cost of hatred and the preciousness of safety and freedom.
The symbolic foods of the seder – the bitter herbs reminding of the bitterness of slavery, the charoset representing the mortar used by the Israelite slaves, the matzah symbolizing their hurried departure – sparked thoughtful conversations around shared experiences of oppression and the universal yearning for freedom. The participants, representing such a broad spectrum of beliefs and backgrounds, found common ground in the fundamental human desire for dignity, justice, and liberation.
Laughter, tears and hearty discussions filled the room, creating an atmosphere of genuine connection and camaraderie. During the break between readings, the crowd shared a delicious buffet lunch with traditional matzah ball soup, potato kugel, barbequed roasted chicken, gefilte fish and various salads. Stories were exchanged, perspectives broadened, and new friendships blossomed.
The afternoon was punctuated by moments of profound reflection. The recitation of the ten plagues served not just as a historical recounting, but as a reminder of the suffering inflicted upon others throughout history and the ongoing need to combat injustice in all its forms. The collective dipping of fingers to remove a drop of wine for each plague onto the matzah served as a powerful visual representation of diminishing joy in the face of others’ suffering, a sentiment that resonated deeply with the diverse group of humanitarians present.
Around the tables we discussed that just as we separate ourselves from the punishment inflicted upon those who oppress us, we can acknowledge when justice is served but must not rejoice in our enemy’s suffering for we are all created by God.
The seder drew to a close with the hopeful refrain of “Next year in Jerusalem,” embodying a shared aspiration for a future characterized by greater understanding, empathy, and collaboration within the San Diego community and beyond.
Overall, the community Passover seder at Ohr Shalom Synagogue was a vibrant demonstration of the power of unity in diversity. It served as a powerful reminder that by joining together in our common humanity, sharing our stories, and learning from one another, we can move forward towards a future that has equality, justice, collaboration and compassion for all.
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Barrett Holman Leak is a freelance writer and columnist.