COZY SEDER IN ARMENIA

Federation of Jewish Communitites of CIS, Russia
April 25 2006

YEREVAN, Armenia – Passover events held in the Mordechai Navi Jewish
Community Center brought together a great number of participants
this year. Tables were set with traditional dishes, Passover symbols
laid on a silver keara, sparkling wine glasses and matza, which was
delivered from Israel.

Mrs. Lea Peremysler, the hostess of this home-like Seder, lit festive
candles and recited blessings.

Rabbi Gersh Meir Burstein discussed the traditions of a Passover
night. During this night, Rabbi Burstein helped the participants
feel the unity of the Jewish people and recounted the story of their
deliverance from slavery.

Michael Levitin, a journalist of Forward and World Jewish Digest
magazines of New York, was present at this evening. It was a great
surprise for him to witness a Jewish community celebrating Passover
in such a friendly atmosphere. He acknowledged afterwards that he
hasn’t experienced such Seder in a very long time.

By the end of the feast Rabbi Burstein blessed community members and
shared the afikomen, the last piece of matza, with the participants
of the Seder.