Sonora, CA…Passover, an eight-day festival that celebrates the Jews exodus to freedom from slavery in ancient Egypt, is one of the most important holidays in the Jewish religion. This year it begins at sundown, Monday, April 10th. The Mother Lode Jewish Community (MLJC) will be holding their annual Passover Dinner and Seder on the second night, Tuesday, April 11 at 5 pm in Sonora. Rabbi Andra Greenwald will be leading the Seder. Everyone is welcome. Advance reservations and pre-payment are required.

The dinner features Roast Brisket, Chicken, a Vegetable side dish, a green salad, along with the traditional Seder foods including Soup with Matzo Balls, Matzo, Charoset, Gefilte Fish, Hard Boiled Eggs, Horseradish, Parsley as well as Chocolate Matzo and other desserts, coffee & tea. This year, there are two “prep parties”, one on Saturday near Angels Camp and one on Sunday near the Sonora Fairgrounds at which many of these traditional items are prepared by MLJC members. Participants are welcome to supplement the catered menu by bringing their family’s favorite traditional dessert and beverage.

Early-bird and Last-minute rates for members (and their guests) and for non-members are listed on the Mother Lode website. The deadline for guaranteed reservations is Friday, April 7th. Please register online at MotherLodeJewishCommunity.org – click on events to register & pay on-line, or mail your check and contact information to: MLJC, PO Box 1142, Angels Camp, CA 95222. Membership information can also be found on the website.

The MLJC’s mission is to provide opportunities and events that nurture a vibrant and enduring Jewish identity, culture and community in the Mother Lode. The group draws its members from Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa and Tuolumne counties. New members are most welcome. For more information and a calendar of future events, please visit the MLJC website at motherlodejewishcommunity.org, call 209-533-1650 or email the MLJC at motherlodejc@yahoo.com.