FRI APRIL 19
Pico Night of Freedom
Rabbi Yonah Bookstein and Rebbetzin Rachel Bookstein hold an inspiring first-night seder for young professionals and the community. The evening includes a retelling of the Exodus, singing, Torah insights and a reading of the haggadah in English and Hebrew. Organized by the Pico Shul, the seder is held at the nearby Community Shul. 7–11 p.m. $75 for single ticket. Remaining prices include sponsorships at $118, $360 and $1,000. Those unable to afford tickets, email rabbi@picoshul.com. Community Shul, 9100 Pico Blvd., Los Angeles.
Chabad Pesach
Chabad of Westwood’s first- and second-night seders discover historic but perhaps overlooked meanings in the haggadah. Enjoy hand-baked shmura matzo and a dinner spiced with traditional customs. 8 p.m. on April 19; 8:30 p.m. on April 20. $36 per adult, $18 per child. Chabad of Westwood, 741 Gayley Ave., Los Angeles. To order shmura matzo, call (310) 709-1556 or email zeldie@chabadwestwood.com.
Seeking a Seder?
Don’t be a slave to the kitchen. Instead, join Valley Village congregation Adat Ari El at its innovative first-night seder. The Conservative synagogue’s Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe Bernhard and other clergy lead the evening. 6–9:30 p.m. Members: $78 adult, $55 children under 13; General: $99 adult, $70 children under 13. Adat Ari El, 12020 Burbank Blvd., Valley Village. (818) 766-9426. Contact dweinberg@adatariel.org for more information.
Persian Seders
The Chabad Persian Youth Center in Pico-Robertson holds interactive seders rich in the traditions of Judaism. The back-to-back evenings are family-friendly. Handmade shmura matzo is served. 8 p.m. April 19 and 20. $50 adults, $25 children 3 and older. Chabad Persian Youth Center, 9022 Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 777-0358.
SAT APRIL 20
“Passover Seder Quest”
Find redemption in Venice Beach during Open Temple’s “Passover Seder Quest.” The quirky evening includes a “Seder Walk Through Venice,” matzo and puppet theater, goat yoga and more. Vegetarian and vegan food served. 4–8 p.m. Advance tickets are $50 for adults, $18 for children 12 and under; at the door, $55 adults, $18 children. Open Temple, 1422 Electric Ave., Los Angeles. (310) 821-1414.
Second Seder at BCC
Blending modernity and ancient traditions during a musical, second-night seder, Beth Chayim Chadashim offers a catered kosher-style meal that includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. This is an especially meaningful experience for LGBTQ Jews, families and allies as the haggadah tells a story of redemption and freedom that resounds for many in this LGBTQ congregation. 5:30 p.m. $54 for adult members, $72 for adult non-members, $36 for children ages 13–18, $18 for children 12 and under. For kosher meal options, add $60. Beth Chayim Chadashim, 6090 Pico Blvd. (323) 931-7023.
Seder at VBS
Valley Beth Shalom Senior Rabbi Ed Feinstein and Cantor Phil Baron lead a community seder featuring songs, afikomen for the children, and a kosher, catered meal. 6 p.m. Members: $75 for adults, $40 for children ages 5–12, $20 for children ages 2–4, free for children under 2; non-members: $95 for adults, $55 for children ages 5–12, $30 for children ages 2–4, free for children under 2. Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino. (818) 788-6000.
Family Seder Experience
A second-night family seder at Sinai Temple includes a full seder plate at each table, complete with dinner and dessert. Sinai Rabbis Nicole Guzik and Erez Sherman lead the program. 5–7 p.m. $45 adults, $30 children. Sinai Temple, 10400 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 474-1518. Contact Rachel Polansky at (310) 481-3228 or rpolansky@sinaitemple.org for more information.
Beth Am Invites Everyone
Temple Beth Am Rabbinic Intern Ariel Root Wolpe leads the second-night musical and interactive seder at Temple Beth Am. Everyone — whether married, single, young or old — is welcome. 7:30 p.m. Adult members $60, adult non-members $65, $30 children ages 5–12, $20 children ages 2–4. Temple Beth Am, 1039 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 652-7353.
Spago Seder
Spago Beverly Hills co-founder and owner Barbara Lazaroff hosts Spago restaurant’s 35th annual seder. The menu includes Spago’s famous oven-baked matzo, as well as Alaskan king salmon, braised beef short ribs, vegetable ratatouille and roasted Moroccan carrots prepared by chef de cuisine Tetsu Yahagi and executive pastry chef Della Gossett. Paired with kosher wines. Rabbi Arnold Rachlis, Cantor Ruti Braier and the West Los Angeles Children’s Choir participate. Proceeds from the evening benefit Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger, a national nonprofit working to end hunger among all faiths and backgrounds in the U.S. 5:30 p.m. $195 adults, $80 children under the age of 9. Spago Beverly Hills, 176 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills. (310) 385-0880.
THU APRIL 25
Change and Justice Seder
Finding themes of social justice in the Exodus story, the National Council of Jewish Women holds a community seder affirming the group’s commitment to equity and fairness. The event begins with a wine tasting at 5 p.m. The seder follows from 6–9 p.m. $100–$5,000. National Council of Jewish Women, Los Angeles House, 543 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 651-2930.
“Global Justice Seder”
West L.A. congregation University Synagogue holds a “Global Justice Seder,” where attendees are asked to relive the Exodus and the Jewish people’s long walk toward freedom. The goal is to connect and compare the Jews’ journey from bondage with the crises of contemporary refugees. 6 p.m. $40 adults, $25 children 12 and under. University Synagogue, Klein Hall, 11960 Sunset Blvd. (310) 451-1980, Los Angeles. Contact Marilyn Weitz at cmweitz@incloud.com for more information.