Event: April 20, 2019, 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
5th Annual Passover Seder
First Universalist Society of Hartland (FUSH)
Hartland Four Corners, Vermont
Saturday April 20, 5 - 7:30 pm
RSVP by April 16
This Year's Theme: "The Power of Faith - to Set us Free and Realize Our Dreams"
The 5th annual FUSH Passover Seder will take place on April 20, hosted once again by Gary and Helen Miller-Shapiro, with support this year from Don Kreis and Sue Buchholz who will help lead the service.
All ages and backgrounds are most welcome — not only those of Jewish heritage
The 8-day Jewish holiday of Passover commemorates the freedom of the Jews from slavery in ancient Egypt. But this holiday is not just for those who are Jewish, because Passover's themes of liberation, hope, community, joy and the coming of spring are universal ones that are relevant for all of us, thousands of years later. At the Seder, we experience all these aspects of the Passover story - - and its connection to our own lives today -through shared rituals, reflections, readings, songs, conversation, food, and loving companionship.
The Passover story is also about the power of faith, that literally helped free an enslaved people and then enabled them to create and realize their dreams for a new home and a new life, rooted in community and connection with the Divine. Throughout human history, and in the present time, we too are called upon to discover our faith, both personal and collective: that unbreakable source of strength and purpose and resilience we all have, that keeps us and the world going, to heal and to grow. Your faith may stem from a traditional religious or spiritual belief, or from secular experiences, relationships, and values very much rooted in the world. Wherever your faith comes from, it is a power that supports us to liberate ourselves and the world from all kinds of oppression, and help us on the path to realizing our dreams. At the Seder this year, we invite you to connect to the power of your faith to support your hopes and addresses your challenges, to help set you free and realize your dreams. We invite you to speak about your faith, what you want to set free, and what dreams you seek, for yourself and for the world.
Some traditional Passover foods will be provided at the Seder, but those attending are asked to bring certain dishes for the main meal itself, appropriate for the holiday. Helen will let attendees know what is needed. Grape juice will be available for the traditional wine blessings (and people may bring real wine if they choose).
Everyone is welcome, including families with children. (Childcare for young children will be provided). Because of the meal and other preparations, it is very important to RSVP, by contacting Gary or Helen at 802-674-6116 or email gshapcrc@sover.net, no later than April 16. Our Seders are growing every year (last year we had nearly 50 people), and we may have to limit the total number in order to preserve the comfortable, intimate nature of the Seder, so please do RSVP us as soon as possible. The previous FUSH Seders have been meaningful and fun, and we look forward to sharing the joy of Passover with you all this year!