I am not of the Jewish faith, nor do I, to the best of my knowledge, have any Jewish ancestry. I never had much of a religious upbringing and to the extent that I consider myself to be anything, i’m an atheist.
That being said, i’ve always felt a sort of camaraderie with the Jewish people. It’s nothing short of admirable the way that they’ve survived persecution and ostracism and hatred over thousands of years, and yet managed to retain their distinct identity as a culture and a people. I know the Bible well enough, and the Old Testament stories have always been the ones I found the most inspirational.
With that in mind, i’ve found the story of Passover particularly inspirational ever since I first learned a little about it in 6th grade. I’ve read a few different versions of the Haggadah on the net every few years when Passover comes around, and i’ve often felt like I would enjoy the experience of attending a Seder and taking part in that reminiscence.
As Passover is coming up next week, i’ve found myself thinking about it again, and I wonder - if I, as a non-Jew, wanted to attend a Seder, how would I go about doing it? Are there such things as group Seders sponsored by Jewish organizations that welcome any comers? Would I be able to call a local synagogue (i’m assuming i’d need to talk to a Reform group) and find a family interested in hosting a stranger? Would I just have to know someone?
IIRC, the family was what was termed “Reformed Jews” (as opposed to Orthodox, or Ultra Orthodox) Consequently, I attended more than one Seder. My recall of the particular details, ie: the food served, and the signifigance of each dish, is pretty hazy, at best. But I do seem to recall the fact that the front door of the house was deliberately left, wide open. And that there was an allusion, that it was left open so that any who wished, may join in the Seder. I’m sure that there are some Dopers that are WAY more knowledgeable on the subject, than I.
