By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
What does a vegan Passover Seder look like? Well, let me explain. Many years ago, when the twins were about three years old, I decided to create our own Seder and make it fun and exciting. I created an abridged Haggadah by combining different books I checked out from the library with ones the kids received from PJ Library in the mail. I put pillows on the table and poured many glasses of pomegranate juice in fancy wine glasses. As I am going through the Haggadah, my kids and husband lay their heads on the pillows and sip their “wine,” we do have real wine for Mom and Dad. I don’t invite anyone since we do things differently and don’t want someone to expect the traditional experience and be disappointed. Plus, I don’t like an audience.
Our Seder plate has Matzo. I sometimes do a hard-boiled egg, which the kids will eat, bitter herb, I use horseradish, I make a really good charoset, I end up doubling the recipe since my kids will eat it all week, vegetable, I use parsley, and for the shank bone, I make beet fries, as the kids call them. Raw beets I skin and cut into fry shapes and roast in the oven with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.
Of course, Freckles, my angora rabbit, gets her own Seder plate. I give her parsley and some celery leaves, and she munches along with us.
When I get to the plagues, we go out to the backyard. I write out the plagues with bags of items for all of them. Plague 1: Water Turned to Blood; I put a glass of water and a glass of pomegranate juice. Plague 2: Frogs, I have a bag of plastic frogs that we throw into the air. Plague 3: Lice, I have bags of white rice we throw at each other. Plague 4: Flies, we have bags of black beans we throw at each other. Plague 5: Livestock Disease, we lay on the ground and hold onto our stomachs like we are sick. Plague 6: Boils, we stomp on bubble wrap. Plague 7: Hail, we throw cut-up pieces of white paper at each other. Plague 8: Locusts, we throw bags of pinto beans at each other. Plague 9: Darkness, we put on sunglasses and close our eyes, trying to find each other. Plague 10: Death of the Firstborn: Unfortunately, Alex, who is 2 minutes older than CeCe, lies down on the ground and pretends to be dead. In years past, I have put red construction paper across my front door so Alex would be safe.
For dinner, I make vegan “chicken” matzo ball soup with egg replacer in the matzo ball meal. I add zucchinis, carrots, celery, and anything to make it a hearty soup. As I am going through our Haggadah, I have matzo pizza ready so everyone can enjoy something tasty with their “wine” and relax on pillows. I roast green beans, brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes. Whatever is requested. I make a good matzo brownie for dessert as well.
I have friends who give me their leftover matzo since the kids request matzo pizza a couple of times throughout the year.
Ever since they were little, they still don’t enjoy opening the front door to let in Elijah and ask me to do it. I hid the afikoman, and both kids get a prize. Also, during the meal, I read a riddle book, and whoever gets the correct answer gets a Jolly Rancher or Starburst candy thrown at them.
So, a fun time at the Acosta house for Passover!
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Women of Congregation Beth Israel presents “An Evening with Paul Rappaport” at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 25. Rappaport will entertain with stories from his 33-year career at Columbia Records, where he was instrumental in the careers of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, Journey, Elvis Costello, Judas Priest, Alice in Chains, and many more. Organizers say the dessert and coffee reception will follow the program, during which Rappaport will be available to sign copies of his memoir, Gliders Over Hollywood. This event is not for women only. Click here to register.
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Temple Emanu-El announces its “Striving to be Human: Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Lawson” at 11:30 a.m., Thursdays, starting Thursday, March 5, until Thursday, April 30. The event includes Lawson discussing various topics like moral justice at the core of humanity, choosing between good and evil, a look at queer Jewish theology, the world created, beyond the beginning and end of life, and whether A.I. can develop a soul, and tensions between the good and the perfect. Organizers say to pack a lunch and purchase the required text, Striving to be Human: Jewish Perspectives on Twenty-First-Century Challenges by Rabbi Leah Cohen. Click here to register.
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June Rubin Studio Gallery announces registration has opened for Spring Art Sessions. The Spring sessions start at 3:30 p.m., for ages 5 to 9 years old, and at 4:30 p.m., for ages 9 years old to 13 years old, on Thursdays, from March 26 until April 30 at the Tierrasanta Recreation Center. These sessions include teaching young artists drawing, watercolor, collage, and acrylic painting in a supportive, hands-on environment. All art supplies are included, and young artists are invited to bring their own enthusiasm and imagination. Beginners are welcome. Click here to register for the 3:30 p.m. session, and click here to register for the 4:30 p.m. session.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue’s Family Jam presents “Passover Playtime for Young Families” at 9:15 a.m., Sunday, March 29. This event is for families with children 6 years and under and siblings. It will feature stories, snacks, and crafts. Click here to rsvp for security purposes.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue invites adults to register for its “Miller Introduction to Judaism: Taught by Rabbi Hanan Leberman” at 11 a.m., beginning Sunday, August 17. Miller’s curriculum is a nationally recognized course that covers the essentials of Judaism, including its holidays, rituals, ideas, and traditions throughout the 18-week program. Click here for more information.
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SD Kollel presents its “Ladies Weekly Kollel Café: Women’s Class and Discussion” at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday nights. This event includes women’s topics and desserts. For more information, call 619-287-9890.
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Congregation B’nai Tikvah announces its “First Night Community Family Passover Seder” at 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 1, at Richard Walker’s Restaurant. The Seder will be led by Cantor Larry Kornit. Organizers say to bring canned food for those who are food insecure, helped by Interfaith Community Services. Click here to register.
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Jewish Federation of San Diego and American Jewish Committee announce “Standing Together Against Antisemitism: A Community Summit” at noon, Sunday, April 19, at Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine. The event will include breakout workshops covering topics: Interfaith approaches to combating antisemitism, fighting bias in K-12 education, modern media advocacy, fostering Jewish pride and community on campus, and an exclusive teen track program for high schoolers. Click here to register.
AROUND THE COUNTY
San Diego Hebrew Day School reports Gayle Breitbard Klusky will serve as the Honorary Chair of the Gala on Sunday, May 17. Klusky’s connection to Hebrew Day represents a steady force in the community and the understanding that strong Jewish education is how to secure the future. Click here to purchase tickets.
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OBITUARY NOTICES
Jaqueline Ander has died. She was the mother of Mark (Rebecca) Ander and Dale (Joanne) Ander and grandmother of Eli and Jonah Ander. The funeral was held on Monday, March 23, at El Camino Memorial Park, Ohr Shalom Synagogue reports.
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Marjorie Jane McCormick Peters has died. She was the mother of Jeanne Peters. The funeral took place in New Jersey, Ohr Shalom Synagogue reports.
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Arie Rossenberg has died. He was the husband of Frida Be’er, father of Oran Rossenberg (Gilad Drozdov), Sheer Rose Edri, and grandfather of Noan and Amit. Currently, there are no further details on funeral arrangements, Tifereth Israel Synagogue reports.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.