We are ONLY running a second night Pesach seder this year (2022) on Saturday April 16.
We are running a second night seder in Manhattan For All Ages!
As of April 14, 4:30 p.m.:
0 seats available.
What: Second Night Passover Seder for All Ages in 2022 in New York City
Date/Time: Saturday April 16, 2022, from 6:30pm to about 10 pm.
Location: Prince George Ballroom, 15 E 27th Street (Manhattan, New York City).
Haggadah: A Different Night, The Family Participation Haggadah (and you can keep it!)
What: We will read (sometimes in Hebrew and sometimes in English), sing, discuss, and debate. And also schmooze.
Second Night Seder For All Ages: When? Where? What?
Rabbi Judith Hauptman, founder of Ohel Ayalah, and Cantorial Soloist Josh Gorfinkle, will lead the Manhattan seder. In 2022, our Second Night Passover seder will take place in the large Prince George Ballroom, a magnificent event space at 15 E. East 27th Street. Photos above and to the right. These are egalitarian, community seders. People come by themselves and meet others at their table or come with friends and (also) meet others at their table.
Sitting around a spread of veggies, baba ganouch, and other snacks, we will delve this year, as we have done in the past, into A Different Night, The Family Participation Haggadah. You are welcome to take it home when the Passover seder is over. We will read (sometimes in Hebrew and sometimes in English), sing, discuss, and debate. And also schmooze. After dipping into the haggadah (pun intended!) for about two hours, we will be served dinner buffet style (menu below). And after that, Grace, Miriam’s Cup, Hallel, and a lot of singing. The entire event, from beginning to end, will take about 3 1/2 hours.
The Second Night Seder For All Ages, on Saturday April 16, 2022, will begin at 6:30 pm and end about 10 pm. Doors open at 6 pm. Please arrive before 6:30 to find your seat and get settled. This is likely to be a large passover seder of over 200 people. Some show up at this seder by themselves, some with a family member, and some with a friend. If you wish, you can choose to sit at a table for singles. For 20s & 30s there will be a wine-tasting from 6:00-6:30pm. At 6:30, All Ages will gather in the ballroom for the seder.
The Passover seder will be held at the Prince George Ballroom, 15 E 27th Street (Manhattan, New York City).
Coming with friends or family? You will all sit at the same table. Coming by yourself? We will do our best to match you with like-minded people. Since we prepare seating charts about a week before the seder, best to sign up early.
Testimonials from past Ohel Ayalah Seders
If it weren’t for the Ohel Ayalah seders, I probably wouldn’t go to any. The rest are just too expensive and not as inviting to new people who don’t know anyone there and are attending alone. Thank you so much for this opportunity!
We feel that it is similar to attending a family seder which we had in our home for many years while our children were growing up. There is a feeling of warmth and homeyness and we thank the organizers for creating an environment that encourages this. We don’t feel judged, only welcomed.
Appreciated that you had it for New Yorkers without a place to go
I liked the joyous spirit, the high level of participation and the singing.
The rabbi’s energy and enthusiasm was inspiring. The Canter’s powerful voice regally initiated the holiday and melodically captivated the participants during the dinner. Though there were many people it felt like a very intimate family seder. It was well organized and the food was fantastic. The seder book was interesting and a nice surprise. The seating arrangement were perfect. I just loved the experience and look forward to next year.
Had never been to a community seder before. Very lovely. Thanks!!
I must thank you so much for the wonderful seder we had with you this past first night of Passover. A remarkable thing happened. It was the first time my 10 year old daughter attended a seder of this kind (and me for that matter!) that delved so deeply. I personally came from a very superficial jewish family so we never read for more than 15 minutes.
What is most impressive – and fun! – for me is the overall ruach that you create in the way you conduct the seder along with Cantor Josh. There’s a great feeling of community in the room . . .
Keep on doing what you’re doing – you’ve got it right.
I loved how warm and friendly the evening was. I was really skeptical because I attended alone but there were some really friendly people at my table and the staff was also very friendly.
I loved that the seder was explanatory and we all got to participate. I love that it was designed so that we would meet as many new people as possible. I love that we got to have a seder for our own age group (20s and 30s). I love the price! I love that we got to keep the haggadahs.
It’s a great sense of community, very welcoming, fun, and enjoyable. The rabbi is great.
I liked meeting new people and having discussions at the table and the haggadah. I really like the wine tasting.
The festive/entertaining elements like noisemakers and the interesting Haggadot really added a lot. The food and the people were great, but the best element was rotating seats – I came to meet new people and that really helped
Great to sing songs that I haven’t sung since I was a child. The food was surprisingly good too.
It was truly lovely. I was in from out of town and felt so welcomed.
I am grateful to be able to attend a seder like this as I do not have a family seder to go to.
I just want to thank you again for providing a home for my little family for the first night seder. There are so few non Orthodox public seders for the first night. It is really greatly appreciated. Thanks again for all your hard work!
With the experience of the first Seder, I was equipped to lead the second night in a way that encouraged participation from everyone, particularly the kids. It was great being at a Seder where we weren’t “slaves” to the same old rote words while still maintaining the order and all the required sections.
The rabbi runs a wonderful warm seder and makes everyone feel welcome no matter what their age.
The seder at Ohel Ayalah was one of the most meaningful and entertaining seders that I have ever attended. I really enjoyed the friendly and relaxed atmosphere, singing, and interactive discussion. I would definitely come back next year and recommend to my friends!
I loved the discussion around the table—we began by being strangers and ended by being friends.
Very friendly and inviting. Good food and I enjoyed the prayers and singing. I also like the way the tables were set. It was very easy to talk to people. I loved having instruments @ the table so we could really get into the spirit.
I liked the happy and community feelings.
I liked that everyone there was in or around my age group. I liked that they tried to get people to get to know each other. I liked that I had a place to go for the 2nd seder when I otherwise wouldn’t have. Also, the price was great.
It was fantastic. I particularly enjoyed the interactive discussion. I’ve never really participated in anything like this before. The time flew by and I learned a lot about both Passover as well as the people at my table. It was a perfect combination of learning/religion and socializing. The table rotation was great—I really had the chance to meet a lot of new and interesting people. I also very much enjoyed the musical instruments. Finally, I really appreciated the fact that everything was so efficient and well organized
As a person who is in the process of converting to Judaism, I was able to understand, have fun, and meet new people.
Yes, being new in the city, it was very comforting to be in a familiar setting, even with strangers—it felt like family.
How to sign up? Make a reservation (by paying!)
PLEASE NOTE: The only way to reserve a seat for yourself is to pay. Answer a few easy questions on the registration form (open March 20-April 9), pay, and you will get a confirmation by e/m. No need to bring it with you. We will have a list of all those who registered. If you don’t receive a confirmation, or if you need assistance, please e-mail me on the Contact Us page.
To get reminders of future events, join the Ohel Ayalah e/m list. Fill in your e/m address in the box on upper right column.
Can you explain the seder pricing?
In order to cover our mounting costs, we are suggesting two alternative prices. The higher price almost covers the true cost of running these seders–which includes venue rental, the seder meal, the wine, the haggadah, waitstaff, venue insurance, security guards, and so on. The second is a discounted price for those who cannot pay the full price. We are asking you to pick the price that is right for you. FYI, I draw no salary for either leading the seders or running Ohel Ayalah.
For Second Night Seder in Manhattan:
Full price: $85 per person
Discounted price: $60 per person
We are able to offer the discounted and student prices (for those who need them) because we have many generous donors who help us meet our expenses.
To see a list of our seder donors, click here.
Payment & Reservation FAQ’s
Can I pay by credit card if I don’t have a Paypal account?
Yes, Paypal accepts cards even from those without accounts.
Can I pay by check?
Yes, but we must receive the check no later than Saturday, April 9. Please make the check out to Ohel Ayalah and mail to:
Rabbi Judith Hauptman, P.O.B. 654 New York, NY 10159. We will not accept any checks after Saturday, April 9, EVEN IF MAILED EARLIER. After that date, your only options are to pay on Paypal or show up as a walk-in (see below). If your check arrives AFTER seder registration closes, it will be returned to you. So if you plan to pay by check, you need to mail it as soon as possible. Put your e/m address on your check so I can acknowledge receipt.
To register and pay by check: go to seder reservation form and fill it out, making sure to choose one of the “pay by check” options under “Choose Ticket.”
Can I come to the seder as a walk-in?
Yes, a number of people are admitted at the door. We will set an entire table for walk-ins, which means that 10 people will be admitted at the door. Also, each year there are people with reservations who decide, at the last minute, not to show up. If we find that there are empty seats about 20 min. into the seder, we will accept additional walk-ins at that time. There will be no waitlist. On the seder night, full price will be $90 p/p and discounted price will be $70 p/p. We do NOT take credit cards at the door. We do accept cash or a check (made out to Ohel Ayalah).
Ohel Ayalah is a religious corporation. Payment for the seder is for a “service” and is NOT, therefore, tax deductible.
What language is used?
If you don’t read Hebrew, not a problem. The haggadah includes the Hebrew text and English translation, and for many segments — songs in particular — it also provides transliteration of the Hebrew. The haggadah is yours to take home.
Is this Seder for me?
In 2022, we are not hosting a first night Seder.
In 2022, the second night Seder in Manhattan is for all ages.
What is the menu?
The Seder meal will be catered by Joe Godin of EmberNYC, which is under Kaf-K kosher supervision. All food will be kosher for Passover. There will be a vegetarian option (instead of chicken), however the menu is not vegan.
On Each Table Machine Made Matzoh, Grape Juice, Assorted Sodas, Seltzer, Pickles and Olives, Assorted Nuts, Baba ganoush, Ember Salad with Herb Dressing, Hard Boiled Eggs, Crudites with Dip, Peppers, Carrots, Celery, Cherry Tomato, Boiled Potato Slices
Seder Plate on Each Table – Lettuce, Maror, Egg, Zeroa, Parsley & Charoseth, (Extra Parsley, Charoseth, and Maror), Salt Water Set-Up
Appetizer Gefilte Fish with Carrot Slices and Horseradish Sauce, Extra Red Horseradish Sauce
Entree – Buffet Style Matzoh Balls in Braised Onions, Roasted Chicken on Bone with Parsley, Leek and Onion Sauce [Veggie Option: Stuffed Portobello Mushroom Duxelle], Mashed Potatoes with Chives, Carrot Tzimmes with Prunes, Spring Vegetable Melange
Dessert – Chocolate Roulade, Raspberry Roulade, Chocolate Chip Cookies
Because of kashrut policies, you may NOT bring any food or drink with you to the seder.
Who can I ask if I have more questions?
Can you direct me to other NYC Passover seders?
To find other community seders in Manhattan, https://www.ujafedny.org/find-a-service/.
If you wish to make a donation, you may do so by visiting the Donate page.
Ohel Ayalah is supported in part by a generous grant from the Natan Foundation.
Also visit Metropolitan Jewish Singles (for Jews in their 40s and 50s)