In a powerful display of unity, faith and mutual respect, community members gathered at Temple Beth Torah in Wellington for a sold-out Interfaith Passover Seder on Thursday, April 2 that brought together Jewish and Christian neighbors in a shared celebration of history, freedom and understanding.
The evening welcomed members of Temple Beth Torah, alongside congregants from St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, creating a meaningful space for dialogue and connection. Clergy from both communities led the seder, blending tradition with inclusivity in a way that resonated with attendees.
Rabbi Andrew Rosenkranz and Cantor Rachel Slusky Harris guided participants through the seder, while Senior Pastor Cory Britt offered reflections that bridged faith traditions. Together, they created an atmosphere that was both reverent and welcoming, emphasizing the shared values at the heart of their respective beliefs.
“Passover tells the story of a people’s journey from oppression to freedom, but its message is universal,” Rosenkranz said. “When we open our doors and our tables to neighbors of other faiths, we deepen that story — reminding ourselves that freedom, dignity and faith are shared human values.”
Britt echoed that sentiment, highlighting the importance of fellowship across traditions. “Opportunities like this allow us to learn from one another in a spirit of respect and humility,” he said. “By coming together, we don’t diminish our differences — we honor them while recognizing the common ground that unites us.”
The event was made possible in part by an interfaith grant from the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, supporting efforts to foster understanding and collaboration among diverse communities.
Throughout the evening, participants engaged in the rituals that define the Passover seder — eating matzah, tasting bitter herbs, dipping symbolic foods and reclining in recognition of freedom. For many in attendance, these traditions took on added meaning when experienced alongside neighbors of different faiths, fostering a deeper appreciation of both the story of Exodus and its universal themes of liberation and hope.
Local leadership was also present, including Royal Palm Beach Mayor Jeff Hmara and members of the Wellington Village Council, underscoring the importance of community-wide engagement in events that promote unity.
The evening was not only a religious observance but also a celebration of community spirit. Families, clergy and civic leaders sat side by side, sharing stories, songs and conversation. Children participated alongside adults, ensuring that the lessons of the evening, both historical and contemporary, would carry forward to the next generation.
Events like this Interfaith Seder serve as a reminder that while traditions may differ, the values of compassion, freedom and understanding are universal. In a time when division often dominates headlines, gatherings like this offer a hopeful counterpoint: that meaningful connection begins with simply coming to the table together.
As the evening concluded, attendees left not only with a deeper understanding of the Passover holiday, but also with strengthened bonds across faith lines — an enduring testament to the power of shared experience and community.
