JFS brings seders to seniors

Senior Café celebrates one of the most widely observed holidays on the festival calendar

Why is this night different from all other nights?

It’s the question asked at every Passover Seder – usually by the youngest person at the table.

On April 4, at a model Seder sponsored by Jewish Family Service (JFS) and held at Temple Am David, it was asked instead by Wendy Joering, the community concierge for the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island. As a volunteer (and the youngest person) at the Seder, Joering knows that this type of community Seder was different from most others.

For more than 25 years, JFS has been holding Seders for senior citizens and people with disabilities in greater Rhode Island. Families were encouraged to attend the Seder meal, so several of the elderly participants were surrounded by their children and even a grandchild. Some modifications were made with the population in mind. For example, the Seder lasted a bit more than two hours instead of the usual four or more.

“The seniors enjoy having a place to go, being part of a model Seder as well as a part of the community,” said Joering. “They love coming together at Passover and are happy to be with friends. We are grateful that JFS provides this service every year.” The JFS Senior Nutrition Program is funded by community support to the Jewish Alliance Annual Campaign.

This year’s theme “Celebration of Freedom” was poignant for many in attendance. For many who were served by JFS, this meal might be their only Seder and offers them freedom to celebrate with peers.

“It’s a paradox to talk about being free,” said one man who uses a cane to move around. “I can hardly walk and would like to be liberated from this cane, but I am glad to be here.”

Cantor Steven Dress, of Temple Israel of Sharon, Mass., has been leading model Seders for nearly 30 years. As Cantor Dress was “warming up the crowd” and walking around saying hello, he announced, “It’s nice that we all come together – we are a community.” This gained a huge round of applause from the more than 100 seniors and adults with disabilities who were in attendance.

Tille Orleck of Cranston, who attends the JFS Am David meal site, told the Voice, “I [light] the candles every Friday like I did today. It’s my job! I live alone, so [going to the meal site] gets me out of the house. We have all become friends – we are one big family.”

In addition to the Seder meal, the “family” joined together in singing “Happy Birthday” to Myron Winoker, who was celebrating his 90th birthday.

Many of the participants are “regulars” and wouldn’t miss out on the fellowship that the meal site provides. Sophie Tragar has been attending the site for more than 15 years. She started coming with her husband, but now widowed, she attends because she enjoys the company of her peers. Trager says she loves to be with people. “It’s like my second home,” she says. Trager’s daughter, who accompanied her, said she is impressed with the activities provided for the seniors in our community.

The model Seder isn’t the only event that helps the Jewish members of greater Rhode Island. In general, more than 4,000 people are served through JFS. In addition, Jewish Seniors Agency is expected to distribute kosher-for-Passover food to approximately 115 households this holiday season.

As one Seder participant put it, “We were once strangers in a strange land, but today we are family in a thriving community.”