Seder invokes 20 plagues to mark modern-day slavery
The 'freedom seder' told the Passover story of exodus from Egypt, whilst addressing the issue of modern human trafficking
Jack Mendel is the former Online Editor at the Jewish News.
For centuries it has been Jewish tradition to recite 10 plagues at Pesach, but this week, 20 were delivered at an interfaith seder, to highlight the evil of modern slavery.
A specially produced Haggadah was adapted for the Council of Christians and Jews’ (CCJ) ‘Freedom Seder’ on Monday night, which taught guests of all religions the Passover story whilst reflecting on suffering today.
In addition to blood, lice and frogs of the 10 plagues of Egypt, the seder saw guests spill wine for modern evils, such as sexual exploitation, warfare and conflict, and domestic servitude.
More than 70 faith leaders and charity officials were guided through the Pesach story, and heard testimony from victims of slavery.
The seder also saw participants eat bitter herbs and matzah, drink four cups of grape juice, and sing Pesach songs such as ‘Dayenu’ and ‘Mah Nishtana’.
CCJ Programme Manager Elliot Steinberg said “This seder marks the beginning of an interfaith movement to make a real difference against trafficking and slavery. It shows that far from being tokenistic or ineffective, interfaith engagement and action can achieve real social change. We are really looking forward to seeing how the Haggadah Companion and its action points are taken up by faith communities across the country and continuing this vital work with Stop The Traffik and other faith partners.”
David Mason, Rabbi of Muswell Hill United Synagogue, said the seder “was able to draw a connection to the depths of time, to our exodus from Egypt and bring it to life today, and use that as an incredible bond between us as a people and other faiths.”
Sam Grant of Jewish Human Rights group René Cassin, said: “The seder can be used both as a history lesson and for what we can learn for today’s society”.
Onjali Rauf, a Muslim guest, who is Founder & CEO of Making Herstory, an anti-human trafficking campaign, said: “The fact it was on human trafficking is revolutionary. It has the power to enlighten and bring together a lot of people”.
The CCJ Freedom Seder Haggadah Companion can be downloaded from http://www.ccj.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/CCJ-Haggadah-Companion-E-Version.pdf.
Photos by Eli Gaventa:
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- Judith Flacks of the Jewish Leadership Council taking with Onjali Rauf at the interfaith seder
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- Guests listening to Maureen Kendler, Teaching Fellow and Lead Tutor at the London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS), who hosted the seder
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- Maureen Kendler speaking at an interfaith seder in March 2017
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- Archbishop Gregorios of the Greek Orthodox Church, Great Britain and Thyateira, reading a Hagaddah
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- Christian and Jewish guests opening their box of matzah at the seder
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- Father Mark Odionof of the Catholic Church, speaking about modern slavery and human trafficking in his native Nigeria
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- Dipping 20 times for 20 ancient and modern plagues
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- Food for thought at the interfaith seder for two Christian leaders
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- Laura Marks – founder of Mitzvah Day (left), and CCJ director Elizabeth Harris-Sawczenko
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