Pesach
From Our EHRS Family to Yours
Please click here for Pesach stories and recipes from some of the EHRS staff.
Chag Pesach Sameach!
Pesach 2024
The Machzor (Prayer Book) that we will be using for Pesach services can be downloaded by clicking here
First Night Seder – Monday 22 April
Pesach – Tuesday 23 April – Monday 29 April
Resources for your Family Seder
Here are some resources to help to engage children at the Seder, and enjoy how special Passover with the family is.
• EHRS Young families have created our very own EHRS interactive short Seder click here, which involves and is fun for all the family. Perfect for those with pre-school and primary aged children.
• Passover quiz (created by an EHRS Members sister!), click here
• PJ Library Seder table card came to print and cut out cards, click here
• Some great games for and stories, click here
Please click here for a Pesach Article from CST
Please click here for a Pesach Article from Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl
Please see below the various services, seders and activities we have on offer this year.
Cornerstone Mock Seder & Seder Ideas
Tuesday 16 April, 19:00 at EHRS
You are warmly invited to join our regular cornerstone class for a reminder of the seder basics, a chance to refresh with some new ideas, and an opportunity to learn together.
Monday 22 April: First Night Seder
The EHRS team is delighted to enable anyone who wants to attend a family Seder on the first night to do so. Please contact Val Joseph, 020 8238 1013 / val.joseph@ehrs.uk as soon as possible if you would like to find a host family to join for first night Seder.
If you are prepared to do the mitzvah of hosting a guest, please let Val know. Your Seder does not need to be perfect, people looking for a host family are simply hoping to be together with others.
Pesach Services & Study Sessions
Tuesday 23 April: First Day Pesach
Main Service, 10:30
Our service includes the special liturgy and choral music for this central festival of the Jewish year and our coming together to celebrate our freedom.
Escape (Room) from Egypt Young People’s Pesach Experience, 10:30
Join Rabbi Debbie and our EHRS Education and Youth Team for an interactive Pesach experience and service, as if you were an Israelite ready to leave Egypt.
Communal Seder, 18:00
Please join us for our Intergenerational Communal Seder at EHRS. Details below.
Wednesday 24 April
Artificial Intelligence (AI)– Will we be slaves to our technology?, 20:00-21:30
From smart speakers to data capture in social media to the ability to write essays for students to autonomous cars, the progress of Artificial Intelligence is both impressive and potentially scary. Will we one day need to escape its clutches? A Pesach panel discussion with Rabbi Mark and guests from the technology world.
Saturday 27 April
Chocolate Seder, 11:15
A musical and interactive experience, with chocolate of course, perfect for all those age 5 and above. Details below.
Sunday 28 April: Erev Seventh Day Pesach
Study Service – The Healing Power of Music, 18:00-19:00
Join Cantor Tamara for a gentle and contemplative study service in Pesach. We will explore how our liturgy can help us move min ha’meitzar – away from the narrow spiritual places in which we find ourselves – and how music can be a powerful tool in helping us find healing and peace.
Monday 29 April: Seventh Day Pesach
Main Service & Yizkor, 10:30
Our service includes the special liturgy & choral music that ends Pesach, together with a Yizkor to remember those who are no longer with us.
Across the Red Sea Young People’s Pesach Experience, 10:30
Join Rabbi Mark and our EHRS Education and Youth Team for an interactive Pesach experience and service, as you work out how to get through the Red Sea on your way to the Promised Land, singing our Jewish songs of freedom as we go. Expect to get a bit wet (and wear clothes that can)!
Pesach Cookalong
Wednesday 24 April, 20:30
A Sweet Tooth at Pesach: We will be making Kosher for Pesach Gluten Free Shortbread Biscuits and Cookie Bars from the comfort of our own kitchens on Zoom.
For ingredients and Zoom details please email rabbi.debbie@ehrs.uk
Pesach Play Scheme 2024
Week 1: Monday 22 – Friday 26 April
Week 2: Monday 29 April – Friday 3 May
9:15-16:00 (early drop off from 8:30 & late pick up until 17:00 available upon booking)
Join us for a week packed full of fun and creative activities for those in Reception to Year 6. Take part in sports, drama, arts & crafts, competitions, team games, and enjoy time with your friends.
Join us for the whole week or individual days. We can’t wait to see you!
*Early Bird Prices available until Friday 22 March*
EHRS Members £125 per week or £25 per day
Non EHRS Members £145 per week or £30 per day
Sibling reduction available
Early drop off/Late Pick up: EHRS members Free, Non-members £5 per session per day
EHRS Youth Centre offers children the opportunity to express themselves and have fun in a safe and structured Reform Jewish environment. Strict regulations will be adhered to by all Youth Workers and Madrichim with regards to health and safety. Please email youth@ehrs.uk if you have any queries.
*FULLY BOOKED – BOOKINGS HAVE NOW CLOSED*
EHRS Communal Seder 2024
Tuesday 23 April, 18:00
for a 18:15 start ending at approximately 22:00
*BOOKINGS HAVE NOW CLOSED*
Be part of our special intergenerational communal Seder! Please join us for a lovely and friendly evening of good food and a Seder service. This Seder is suitable for all ages.
We welcome and encourage families with children to join us. We will have activities for children of all ages, a new interactive service for all to be a part of, a break out area with books/toys, and snacks to keep the little ones going before dinner!
EHRS Members
Adult: £38, Children 10-18yrs: £10
Non Member Guests
Adult: £45, Children, 10-18yrs: £10
Due to a number of kind donations, under 10’s are free
No one should miss out due to finances so please call Martine Allen on 020 8238 1011 if this is a barrier for you
*CLOSING DATE FOR BOOKINGS FRIDAY 12 APRIL*
*BOOKINGS HAVE NOW CLOSED*
Chocolate Seder
Saturday 27 April, 11:00
Please join us this Pesach for a delicious chocolate Seder!
A musical and interactive experience perfect for all those age 5 and above. Younger siblings are welcome accompanied by an adult.
You must book in advance to secure your place at the table!
Matzah Ramble
Sunday 28 April, 10:45
There’s only one thing that beats getting out into the fresh air and discovering new places – and that’s doing it with other people. Rambling is a fantastic way to make new friends and learn about local lore. Open to all ages.
Please join us for a family friendly Matzah Ramble at Oxhey Woods Local Nature Reserve in South Oxhey, Watford.
The woods contain a number of walking routes ranging in difficulty, but the highlight is a one kilometre easy access trail. As you walk along the trail you will discover numerous sculptures created using natural materials and that reflect the wildlife and history of the woods.
Don’t forget to bring along your matzah and a rug, to enjoy a picnic lunch following the walk.