NOTE - TICKET SALES ARE NOW CLOSED! PLEASE ONLY USE THIS PAGE TO BOOK IF YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN SPECIFIC PERMISSION TO BOOK. If you want to see if there is space, after the April 4 deadline, please email Sydney at sydney@scojec.org. We may have spots available, but please check first before booking.

Join the Jewish Council of Scotland (JCoS) and Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue (GNMS) for a first night Pesach Seder, aimed at those aged 20-50(ish). We'll kick off at 8:45 pm, and keep going into the night, as we retell the story of our people's Exodus from Egypt, sing our favourite Pesach songs, enjoy a bangin' Hillel sandwich, and celebrate our freedom together!

Why is this so late?

The tradition is not to start the Seder until after Shabbat has ended, at nightfall. We will gather at 8:45, and will make Kiddush at 9:20 pm, once there are three stars in the sky.

But when will it end?

Late! You will be able to leave early if you want, and we aim to have most of the rituals and food finished before midnight, although you're welcome to stay, sing and celebrate into the wee hours if you'd like!

What about the suggested age range?

We're flexible, and it's just a suggestion. If you feel like you'd fit in with the vibe, you're very welcome to join us.

Can kids come too?

Yes, children are welcome to come along, although the content will be primarily directed at an adult audience. There are tickets priced for children under 16. Note the late timings if bringing kids. We'll be getting through a good portion of the Seder before the meal is served, so keep that in mind re: timings.

How does it work?

A Pesach Seder is a traditional Pesach meal full of all sorts of rituals, stories and songs. We'll be following the traditional text, using both English and Hebrew (where Hebrew is read, an English translation will be provided, and we'll make sure everyone knows where we are and what's going on). You can expect a mixture of traditional readings, mixed in with songs, discussion questions, contemporary readings, traditional foods, and more. Reach out to sydney@scojec.org with any questions about what to expect. Note that there's a good portion of Seder which takes place before the meal is served, and we probably won't get to the main meal before 10:30 pm, so plan accordingly.

What if I've never been to a Seder?

No worries! We will make sure to explain, discuss and share. That means clearly announcing page numbers so people can follow along. There will be some Hebrew used, but when Hebrew is used, we will point out the English translations, and make sure to explain what's going on. In true Pesach fashion, questions will be encouraged. So whether it's your first Seder or your 50th, you're very welcome to come along and enjoy!

Do I need to be Jewish to attend?

The Seder is primarily aimed at members of the Jewish community, and those who celebrate with us. This Seder will be open and explanatory, which means that it might be a good introduction for a non-Jewish partner who's never experienced before, or a close friend who's always been curious. If you don't have a connection to Judaism or the Jewish community, contact sydney@scojec.org to find out about opportunities to learn about Passover aimed at the wider community.

Do I need to be Orthodox to attend?

Not at all! This will be a welcoming and inclusive Seder for everyone who wants to join. We will be following a traditional liturgy, but everyone is welcome to share their own ideas and practices, and to celebrate being Jewish in their own way. We're grateful to Giffnock Newton Mearns Shul for hosting us, and will seek to honour Jewish ritual and tradition in a way that makes everyone feel welcome. If you'd like to share a ritual, song or text with the community, please contact sydney@scojec.org before April 4.

Can anybody attend?

If we've never met you before, we'll reach out to say hi and do a security check. This is just to keep everyone safe. If you have questions about this, feel free to reach out to sydney@scojec.org before booking.

Who will be leading the Seder?

The Seder will be co-led by Daniel, Avraham and Sydney, with a lot of participation and discussion. We'll all take turns reading (in English if you'd like, and no worries if you want to skip). If you have a ritual or song which you'd like to share during the Seder, please email sydney@scojec.org with your ideas before April 4.

What about accessibility?

Giffnock Newton Mearns Shul is wheelchair accessible. We will be in the reception area of the shul. Please be in touch with sydney@scojec.org with any further questions regarding accessibility.

Food / allergies / dietary needs?

All food served will be certified kosher. Meat will be served, with vegetarian options available. Nuts and gluten will be present. Please be in touch with any allergies, dietary requirements, or further questions. Due to the nature of special food requirements on Pesach, we may not be able to accommodate every dietary requirement, but be in touch and we'll try to do our best.

Can I bring my phone?

Holidays are an amazing time to unplug and focus on being present. You do you and take care of what you need, but we ask that people refrain from using their phones and other technology or electronics openly while at the Seder. Be in touch with any further questions or if you have any additional support needs.

Should I bring anything?

Please don't bring any food or drink with you, as the synagogue will be kosher for Pesach, with special rules about what can be brought in. If you need anything for support reasons, please be in touch to discuss. Feel free to bring any non-edibles which you'd like to share - i.e. plastic frogs, your favourite Hagaddah, your best matza-print kipa, etc.

First Night Pesach Seder