Group to Cover Cost of Passover Seders

An organization that has already helped ease some of the physical hardships of Jewish residents affected by the Northridge earthquake now wants to help tend to their spiritual needs.

With funds raised in an earthquake relief project, the Jewish Federation Council of Greater Los Angeles plans to cover the cost of Passover Seders for San Fernando Valley residents victimized by the quake.

“Passover is a time when families get together in their homes,” said Jay Schuster, a council spokesman. “Now, many people do not have the money or the means to do it.”

Passover, which begins at sundown March 26, is considered a major Jewish holiday. It commemorates the Israelites’ freedom from slavery at the hands of Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II. The Jews, led by Moses, left Egypt, and the Passover Seder is the traditional meal that celebrates the exodus. The meal includes ceremonial foods, each symbolizing aspects of the exodus story.

The council raised about $500,000 after the quake and has helped several thousand people with housing and physical needs, mostly in the hard-hit areas of Northridge, Sherman Oaks and Studio City, where there are large concentrations of Jews. Now, through advertising in Jewish newspapers, the council is offering to pay for the cost of Seders offered at local synagogues.

“We are looking out for people’s spiritual needs,” said Schuster. “We will cover anyone who needs it.”