December 8, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

A Very Westside Passover: Open Temple Exodus Seder Crawl

By Rabbi Lori Shapiro

 

Outside of the Bible, there is no greater artifact of Jewish civilization than the Passover Haggadah, the storybook that leads us through the Seder. Thousands exist throughout history – from illuminated Jewish manuscripts from the medieval era to the famed Santa Cruz Haggadah with the sacrificial tofu. The Haggadah reminds us that while there is a set form (seder, the ritual meal, literally means “order”), there is no one way to do Passover, and invites us to find our own unique Jewish voice and creative expression.

This year, Open Temple’s Seder Crawl does just that. In addition to wine stations (uh- four cups!) participants will engage in a three-hour tour through Venice as well as Judaism’s famed history. As Passover is a holiday that spotlights freedom from oppression and the Israelites fleeing their Egyptian taskmasters, Open Temple participants will learn of Venice’s own history of oppression – both past and present. Special guests include members of the Oakwood community, artist Robin Murez, performance artists, and musicians. Our seder leads us through landmarks of Venice art and history as we learn about concepts of freedom, justice, and spiritual awakening. Most importantly, we will identify our own stories “from oppression to freedom” as the instruction of the Haggadah commands “in each generation, it is as if YOU came out of Egypt.”

Throughout our Quest, participants will face our own local four Questions: around homelessness, gentrification, preserving artists’ presence in Venice and how to apply our own soul journeys to our local justice needs. A seder is an embodied experience where we, literally, eat the symbols that we discuss. The Open Temple seder plate will be filled with local symbols to feast upon, with some foods sourced from surprising locations.

The Open Temple Exodus Seder Crawl puts The Quest back into The Four Questions. Filled with fun, spiritually nourishing, as well as corporeally nourishing moments (dinner will be served at an enchanting al fresco location) the seder innovates upon what is, perhaps, Judaism’s greatest innovation with a Venice wine-spritzer twist.

The Seder Crawl begins at Open Temple House (1422 Electric Ave., Venice) at 4 p.m. on March 31 and runs through the sunset. Tickets available on Eventbrite by searching for “Open Temple Venice Beach”.

Yom Kippur at Open Temple in Venice.
Photo: Kelly Fogel.

 

 

 

 

 

Rabbi Lori brings the Torah to Abbot Kinney.
Photo: Cheri Wallin.
<>Related Posts

Film Review: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

July 19, 2023

July 19, 2023

FILM REVIEWMISSION IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONERated PG-13163 MinutesReleased July 11th The story in this “Mission: Impossible” chapter, “Dead...

Film Review: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

July 5, 2023

July 5, 2023

FILM REVIEWINDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINYRated PG-13154 MinutesReleased June 30th The director of Indiana Jones and the Dial...

Film Review: Past Lives

June 27, 2023

June 27, 2023

FILM REVIEWPAST LIVESRated PG-13105 MinutesLimited Releases June 2nd and June 9th, Full Release June 23rd The Korean concept of “In...

Film Review: Sanctuary

June 8, 2023

June 8, 2023

FILM REVIEWSANCTUARYRated R96 MinutesReleased May 19th In my humble estimation, this is one of the best movies of the year....

Film Review: The Little Mermaid

June 2, 2023

June 2, 2023

FILM REVIEWTHE LITTLE MERMAIDRated PG135 MinutesReleased May 26th With today’s technological developments, a live-action The Little Mermaid is not only...

A Riveting Revival of the Pulitzer Prize-Winning “A Soldier’s Play” Now Playing At The Ahmanson Theatre

May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023

On Stage With… Murder mysteries, whether cinematic or theatrical, are one of the most popular subjects. The list is quite...

Film Review: Chevalier

May 12, 2023

May 12, 2023

By Kathryn Boole  RATED PG-13107 MinutesReleased April 21, 2023 Chevalier is based on the true story of a historical figure...

Ballet at the Broad Stage Memorial Weekend – Meet the Talent!

May 10, 2023

May 10, 2023

Westside Ballet of Santa Monica returns to the Broad Stage with special guest artists kicking off Friday May 26th with...

Elizabeth McGovern Lights Up The Stage in “Ava – The Secret Conversations”

April 26, 2023

April 26, 2023

Play About Legendary Screen Star Runs Until May 14 At The Geffen Playhouse By Beverly Cohn Ava Gardner, born Ava...

Unconventional Art Festival “The Other Art Fair” Returns to Santa Monica This Weekend

March 31, 2023

March 31, 2023

140 independent artists, immersive installations, performances, DJs, and a fully stocked bar await visitors at Barker Hangar The Other Art...

Samohi Theatre’s “The Drowsy Chaperone” Takes the Stage in Santa Monica

March 1, 2023

March 1, 2023

Shows will take place at Barnum Hall on March 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. and March 5 at 3...

Film Review: “Marlow”

February 23, 2023

February 23, 2023

FILM REVIEW“MARLOWE”Rated R109 MinutesReleased February 15th “Marlowe” is a beautifully shot period piece that takes place in the late 1930’s....

Film Review: All Quite on the Western Front

February 22, 2023

February 22, 2023

I have never been a soldier at war, although I have close friends and relatives who have been. Universally they...

SMC Emeritus Concert Band to Hold Free Concert This Weekend at the Broad Stage

February 22, 2023

February 22, 2023

Concert February 26 will feature musical selections with an outdoor theme Santa Monica College’s Emeritus Concert Band, under the baton...