What a passover!

April 12, 2009

OK! Lots to write about and many pictures and movie clips to upload. I will write a little bit and Denise will add some too.

Two nights ago I had the Seder with the Schechter's, this is Suzy's cousin family. We had Suzy, Danny and his family, Harry and Judy Schechter and their daughter Aviva, her husband Paul and their kids Adam and Sarah. It was a wonderful Seder, we lasted until about 23:30 when the kids were falling asleep, and this with skipping many of the readings and the songs. Harry and Paul are wonderful singers and the kids are super-cute. I am waiting for the pictures to come so I can post them.

One side of the table: Debbie, Elyse, Danny and Harry

Other side of the table: Harry, Adam, Sarah, Aviva and Suzi

For the second Seder we were at the Kornhauser's. Again, Suzy Harry and Judy came as well as Debbie's parents, her sister Tricia and her kids Joshua and Jessica and Debbie's brother Rick.We also had Denise's friend Laurie join us as she is visiting for 3 days. Here are some videos:

The first is a song we sang before the Seder, about how good it is going to be!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhrSnRDSRiE&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1]

Second, this is how mothers teach their daughters to make HAROSET in English. Try following the lyrics: "apples, nuts, chopped up fine, add some cinnamon, add some wine."

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyfAUvBw-kc&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1]

Moving further into the Seder, we sing about the 4 sons. I added a picture of the lyrics:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqvXAUcBGho&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1]

Dann conducts the Seder very nicely. He always infuses it with current affairs and how Passover is related to today. While it felt a little awkward to take a video while he was talking I really wanted you to see this part of the Seder. It might be hard to follow but try:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EL63EvL99-U&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1]

We obviously sang DAYENU:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVMejtYOSMc&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1]

A little bit after the AFIKOMAN the kids had to leave, and so did Rick, Harry and Judy. We ended up standing at the doorway for a long time saying goodbyes and then we sat on the couches and sang HAD GADYA. I didn't take a movie of that (you know how the song goes).

Here are some more pictures:

The Kornhausers have a nice tradition. Every holiday, after Debbie lights the candles they go around and say "HAG SAMEACH" and give hugs and kisses to everyone.

The AFIKOMAN is pre-determined: the kids get 5-10$ usually. They still look for it but there is no negotiation for presents etc. Here are Josh and Jessica (Tricia's kids) and Laurie (Denise's friend) receiving the present. Laurie got a present because she helped find the AFIKOMAN and she has two kids herself.

And in the end we were all really tired on the couches: