Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions, we have answers! 

General Questions

How does 2 for Seder help fight antisemitism?

Whether you are a potential host or guest, participating in 2 for Seder is one of the most powerful things (on a small scale) you can do to fight hate and build understanding across cultures.

  1. Push back against antisemitism by giving someone their first experience with the Jewish Seder.  This experience shows them a critical holiday without having to feel like they are outsiders. They are participants, reading from the Haggadah and eating the unique Passover food like everyone around the table.  Once you have this positive Jewish experience, no one can take it away.
  2. The unknown can be weird and scary – knowledge is critical to fighting hate!  When you don’t know about a topic or a culture, it’s easy to listen to negative things about it.  This is an opportunity to not just learn but directly experience a Jewish festival and fill in the blanks yourself.
  3. Build an interfaith bridge of understanding and support.  By reaching outside your comfort zone, both hosts and guests begin a relationship of trust and learning.  Our surveys show that this bond is critical, especially during antisemetic incidents in the news when you have questions.  This is a two-way bridge.  How far it goes is up to you.  

Read more about this topic on our Blog.

When is Passover this year (2024)?

Passover begins the evening of Monday, April 22nd.

Seders are held on the first two nights.

Why should I sign up under Participate?

Let us know you are participating.  When you sign up, your Seder is counted so we know what impact we are all having.

Get your free Kit.  You also receive a 2 for Seder Kit. This Kit helps you “set the table” and supports both hosts and guests.  The Kit helps ensure that everyone feels welcome and has good expectations for the Seder.  There are also tips and tools for making your Seder more interactive and encouraging lively discussion.

The Kit is free and will be emailed to you.

I signed up using the Participate link, when should I expect to receive my free Seder kit?

We sent you the Guest Kit by email.  Didn’t receive it?  Email us at [email protected]

 

For Hosts – Passover

Who should I ask to attend my Seder?

The biggest impact happens when you provide new experiences in your corner of the world.

Ask your friends, neighbors, co-workers or others you know who have not experienced a Seder. They do not need to be your closest friends (best friends should have already been to one of your Seders).  Think about who in your network has not experienced a Seder and would be interested in attending one.

  • Invite someone new each year. If you invited someone last year, make sure to invite someone new.
  • Invite one, let them invite the second. For an additional potential impact, consider inviting one person and request that they invite the second person.

What's in the 2 for Seder Kit?

2 for Seder supports your Home Seder through our free 2 for Seder Kit.  It’s filled with great supporting material to help you with this special Seder.  Since most of our Seders this year will be virtual, our focus is how to engage and interest our Guests in our virtual event.

 The Guest Kit is an introduction to our guests to set expectations for their first Seder.  Please print and give to your guests about a week before the Seder.

Where do I find people to join my Seder?

2 for Seder is about helping someone who is not Jewish understand first-hand a little about being Jewish.  It’s important that this is their first Seder – or at least the first Seder that they can remember!  Bring a guest with the intent of building bridges and creating understanding about Jewish values.

Attendees can be any religion or no religion, adults or children (with their parents).

  • Neighbors
  • Co-workers
  • Classmates and their parents

Consider inviting one person and request that they invite the second person.  

Do I need to do anything special for my Seder?

Your Seder is Special

Do what you normally do for a Seder. This means your family traditions.  For example, if your family puts on a play to act out the Haggadah, then do your play. If you and your family prefer a shorter service, you and your family should carry on with the shorter service. We want our friends to participate and have fun!

Our Kit Adds Special Touches

Sign up under Participate and receive the the 2 for Seder Kit. It will help you gently weave in appropriate discussions  (especially through our new Discussion Cards) about finding commonalities and building bridges in your neighborhood that last a lifetime.

Can I serve the same food I normally serve during my Seder?

Yes, the idea is for your two guests to experience your Jewish Seder. If you traditionally serve a specific dish (e.g. chicken, brisket, lamb), serve that dish.

As you would for any gathering, ask your guests if they have allergies and/or dietary restrictions and tailor your menu if required.

I'm not planning on host a Seder at my house. How can I participate in 2 for Seder?

Invite 2 folks of a different faith to join you at your local Community Seder.  Many JCCs and synagogues host some kind of Community Seder.

If you are doing this -please sign up under Participate and let us know where the Community Seder takes place.

Special Community Seder for Northern Virginia

If you live in the DC area, we are having our first 2 for Seder Community Seder and would love for you to join us.  

I've never led a Seder before, but I really want to participate! How do I hold a Seder?

This is tricky – we don’t want to get in trouble with any Jewish parents!

  1. Reach out to a close relative and discuss your family’s traditions. You may like them, they may have driven you crazy for years, but it’s the right place to start. You are a critical link in a long chain for your family!
  2. Look up Seder traditions on the web/Youtube. This gets a little overwhelming since there are about the same amount of sources for Seder as for Thanksgiving.
  3. Visit our partner “One Table” who has recommendations for your first Seder.
  4. Email us at [email protected] – we are happy to help!

For Guests – Passover

What's a Seder?

Passover is the Jewish holiday celebrating the ancient Jewish exodus from Egypt, a trip where we start out as slaves and end as the Jewish Nation. It is an eight-day holiday.

Seder is a family ritual and meal celebrated on the first two nights of Passover. At the Seder, Jewish families and friends join together to symbolically take the journey from slavery to freedom.

Want to learn more? https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/passover-pesach-101/

I'm not Jewish, but I would like to attend a Seder. Where do I find one?

Welcome!

Our team recommends two approaches:

  1. Approach one of your Jewish friends and show them this website. Let them know that you are interested in attending a Seder and see what they say! They may invite you to theirs or may want to join you at a Community Seder (see #2).
  2. Contact your local Jewish Community Center (JCC). Many JCCs are 2 for Seder partners. JCCs have Community Seders where all are welcome. These are wonderful programs and you will meet lots of new friends from across your community.

If you are in the DC area, see if our first 2 for Seder Community Seder is right for you!

I've been asked to join a Seder! What do I bring?

Congratulations! Please take pictures and tell us your #sederstory about your experience.

One thing many Jews do to prepare for Passover is a special kind of spring cleaning. All bread of any kind is removed from the house and can’t enter the house until Passover is complete (a week after the Seder).

So with this in mind, take a pass on the food gifts unless they specifically say “Kosher for Passover” on the box.

Each home Seder is unique. We recommend asking your host or hostess.

Want even MORE FAQs? See our Q&A Interview with the Jewish Community Center of New Orleans.