The Global Model Seder is back!
The Global Model Seder is back!
ראש חודש ניסן ~ March 23, 2023
Supported by:
seder achim gam yachad
global model seder
Two years ago, thousands of children in dozens of Jewish schools from around the world got together on-line to celebrate the coming holiday of Passover. In the midst of the pandemic, it was a reminder that there is so much more than just the disease that unites us. (Read an article about the event here)
Now, two years later, we are aiming for an even bigger event. We hope to top 3,000 students from even more communities. Our theme this year is "Jewish Diversity" and our goal is to connect students with Jews from all different background around the world.
This event is being run in memory of an inspiring leader of the Abayudaya community of Jews in Uganda, Mr. Aaron Kintu Moses. Aaron, who was the principal of the Hadassah School, was tragically struck down by Covid. The school lost its leader and is experiencing financial crisis. Please help us raise significant funds for this little known community. Learn more about this fascinating community and the diversity of the Jewish community with Seder Achim resources. There is also an opportunity to penpal with actual kids from this community.
Seder Achim information
Read important information about the event.
Teaching
resources
Use these resources to teach about Jewish Diversity.
find resources
make a donation
Make a donation to support the Hadassah School.
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Seder achim information
When? Thursday, March 23, 2023 / 1 Nisan 5783 at 9 AM PST ~ 12 PM EST ~ 5 GMT ~ 7 PM Israel/South Africa. The program will run 50 minutes. If there is enough interest (ex. by supplementary schools, youth groups and Australian schools), we will run the event a second time.
Who? Jewish children around the world of all backgrounds and affiliations. We encourage schools to take part. The program is targeted at elementary and middle school students. Jewish supplementary schools and youth groups are invited, although the timing may make it tricky to participate in the live event.
What? The program will feature popular songs and sections of the seder and will pair the singing or chanting of each text with some engaging and exciting connection -- a performance or an activity designed to keep the energy high. So far, Yonina has agreed to perform and we will hear the incredible Passover story of R. Gershom of Uganda and hear a song from the Abayudaya children. Prior to the event, schools can also participate in a global Hagaddah being created for the event and can have a representative join a world--wide "Dayenu". Schools can also check out the excellent resources of "Be'chol Lashon" to teach their students about the Abayudaya people.
How? The event will be run through Zoom and YouTube Live.
Cost: We encourage all schools to make a donation of at least $360 US to the Hadassah School through our web site. Schools might want to consider making fundraising for the school a tzedakah project. That said, because we want this event to be accessible to any school around the world, there is not a fee for participation. Please see the resources below, including the opportunity to pen-pal with a child at the Hadassah School, for fundraising ideas.
ABout the Abayudaya
The Abayudaya is a unique community of Jews living in Eastern Uganda. The descendants of a convert, for over one hundred years the community has practiced Judaism, celebrating the same holidays, keeping Shabbat, and following the laws of kashrut. For much of this history, the Abayudaya have been disconnected from the rest of world Jewry. Over the last few decades, through various rabbinical missions, and the work of organizations such as Kulanu and Bechol Lashon, the community has become connected to Jews in the United States and Israel. Like many in Africa, the Abayudaya live a subsistence lifestyle, and often live in houses without running water and electricity.
The Hadassah School is a Jewish Day School in Mbale, Uganda, although it serves children regardless of background. About half of the 400 children in the school live on the school grounds where they can access food and water, and have a safe and secure place to stay. The local well is also located on the school grounds, and children will come there daily to get safe drinking water for their families. The school has electricity, and a basic computer lab with internet. It also has its own medical clinic that serves both the children of the school and the broader community.
Although the conditions at the school are very, very far from what one would expect in a school in the United States or Israel, it serves a critical purpose not just in educating children, but in providing critical services. Tragically, the death of its principal and visionary, Aaron Kintu Moses from Covid-19, has left the school without a leader and in a dire financial situation. This event is dedicated in his memory and we hope to raise funds to keep the school afloat.
Penpal with a Student in Uganda
Create an authentic connection between your students and a child in Uganda.
Participate in the Global Halleluya
On seder night, we recite Psalm 136 (תהילים קל"ו). Join kids from around the world in a recording of the Uganda version.
Resources for the Global Model Seder
As the date approaches we will post activities your students can participate in to preparation for the seder. We will feature student work at the seder.
Check Out the First
Global Model Seder
Want a better idea of what the Global Model Seder is all about? Check out recordings from it.
Teaching Resources from B'Chol Lashon
Check out the amazing teaching resources about Jewish diversity and the Abayudaya at Bechol Lashon.
A Snapshot of the Abayudaya
Check out this report about the Abayudaya done by local reporters in Uganda