Interfaith Seder Provides Plenty Of Food for Thought

March 26, 2010

Author: Jeff Strickler

Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/faith/89275707.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUsZ

Although only in its third year, the annual Passover seder sponsored by the St. Paul Interfaith Network can be declared a resounding success. In fact, had anyone else shown up for last weekend's program, they would have ended up sitting in the hall.

The program was led by Rabbi Amy Eilberg from the Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning at the University of St. Thomas and St. John's University.

Instructional seders, in which the rituals are explained to non-Jews, are not unusual. What set this one apart was that between the lessons Eilberg incorporated an interfaith dialogue that involved a wide range of beliefs.

Among those participating were a Christian (the Rev. Shawn Moore), Muslim (Yusuf Wazirzada), Buddhist (Mayo-O Marilyn Habermas-Scher), Hindu (Suhag Shukla) and Baha'i (Nancy Wong).