Inclusion is key at Waltham Passover Seder

Dipping a bit of parsley into salt water, Claire Blumstein and her tablemates listened as Rabbi Allison Berry led a Passover Seder on March 22 at Jewish Family & Children’s Service in Waltham. Part of the Jewish holiday of Passover, the Seder celebrates God freeing the Israelites from slavery in Egypt as described in the Book of Exodus in the Bible.

This particular Seder welcomed adults with disabilities or mental health challenges. It has been hosted by the Waltham nonprofit JF&CS for the past two decades. The guests were served a free kosher meal and participated in an adapted service.

“It’s a chance to come to an inclusive event … [and] socialize with others without the usual social barriers,” said Blumstein, a person with autism. “It’s important for me” to feel a sense of community, she said.

Like other attendees, Blumstein said she has enjoyed participating in JF&CS events through the Community Housing Access and Independence Disability Services program.

At another packed table in the large room, Lynn Sekulow, who has learning disabilities, happily socialized with her tablemates and read along with a specially adapted Haggadah, the written guide to the Passover Seder. 

The traditional Haggadah includes four questions, so participants can learn the Passover story:

• On all other nights we eat chametz (anything made of wheat, barley, rye, oats or spelt that’s allowed to ferment) and matzah. Tonight, why do we eat only matzah?
• On all other nights we eat any kind of herbs. Tonight, why do we eat the bitter herbs?
• On all other nights we do not dip even once. Tonight, why do we dip the greens twice?
• On all other nights we eat sitting or reclining. Tonight, why do we all recline?

Waltham resident Howard Trachtman, a long-time participant in JF&CS programs, helped create four additional questions in the 1990s for a version of Haggadah dedicated to “those living with mental health challenges.” The purpose is to emphasize people’s “strengths rather than just their mental health challenges,” he said. The questions ask:

• What is keeping us from achieving our goals in life? Is it ourselves, other people, or the systems in place? 
• How can this Seder help us and heal us? 
• How can we take care of ourselves and maintain a positive quality of life? 
• Why don’t we tell the story of our deliverance every night, not just on Passover?

Trachtman, who has a psychiatric disability, has been attending the program’s Seder for decades. “I like meeting new people and seeing old friends,” he said. When asked if he’d encourage others to attend, he smiled and said, “Check it out.”

Bringing community together

“Being part of joyful experiences is really something we are valuing now,” said Maggie Brazin, JF&CS volunteer engagement coordinator. Looking out at the full tables, she estimated there were 60 to 70 attendees. That number did not include the many volunteers who ran the event.

Coco Trentalancia, a Brandeis junior, decided to volunteer after hearing about the Seder through Hillel, where she is vice president. “Passover is always a special time for me,” she said, as she helped set up, clean up and read part of the Haggadah aloud.

“It’s a welcoming space where everyone is able to show up as they are,” said Sara Freedman, senior director of CHAI Disability Services. She said that if some participants feel overwhelmed and need to step out, move around or interrupt, “that’s OK. That’s just part of our community.” Freedman emphasized there is no stigma or judgment at JF&CS events.

Celebrating her first Passover Seder with the nonprofit, Rabbi Berry praised the many volunteers and the long-running event. “It matters,” she said. “It’s about dignity. Everyone should have a holiday celebration.”

After the Seder concluded, many people came up to speak with her. Some sought her advice. Others just wanted to say goodbye with a smile. 

“For some people, this is a big day out,” said Berry. 

Sharon resident Andy Goldberg, who has learning disabilities, has been attending the Seder for many years. He echoed the rabbi’s words by saying, “Without this, I’d be home. … It’s like family here.”

For more information on JF&CS CHAI Disability Services, visit their website.