About Passover

Mar 7, 2026 | Holiday

Celebrate the Story of Freedom

Passover is one of the most meaningful holidays in the Jewish calendar. Each year, Jewish families gather around the Seder table to retell the story of the Israelites’ journey from slavery in Egypt to freedom.

At Temple Adat Elohim, Passover is a time for our community to come together to reflect, celebrate, and share traditions passed down through generations. Through symbolic foods, songs, questions, and storytelling, the Passover Seder brings the ancient story of the Exodus to life.

Whether you’re hosting your first Seder or continuing a lifelong tradition, Passover invites us to gather with family, friends, and community to remember our past, celebrate freedom, and pass this powerful story on to the next generation.

The Meaning of Passover

Seder means “order,” but the Passover Seder is about much more than the steps of a meal. It is a celebration of freedom, tradition, and community.

As we gather around the table to retell the story of our journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, we are reminded of the power of coming together, the beauty of shared stories, and our connection to generations past.

Through songs, prayers, questions, and meaningful rituals, the Seder invites us to reflect on our history, celebrate our resilience, and strengthen the bonds that unite us.

Passover reminds us that every generation has a role in carrying this story forward.

What Happens at a Passover Seder?

The Passover Seder is a meaningful and interactive tradition that brings the story of the Exodus to life.

• Read from the Haggadah, which tells the story of the Exodus
• Eat symbolic foods from the Seder plate
• Ask the Four Questions
• Sing traditional Passover songs
• Share a festive meal with family and friends

Each ritual helps us remember the journey from slavery to freedom and pass the story to the next generation.

Passover Traditions

Passover traditions use symbolic foods and rituals to tell the story of the Exodus.

Matzah

reminding us that the Israelites left Egypt in a hurry.

Maror (Bitter Herbs)

Represents the bitterness of slavery.

Charoset

A sweet mixture symbolizing the mortar used by the Israelites when they were enslaved in Egypt.

Four Cups of Wine

Each cup represents a promise of redemption and freedom.

These traditions transform the Passover Seder into a powerful storytelling experience that connects past, present, and future.Find out more from the URJ >>

Mishloach Manot Pick Up Information

Feb 20, 2026 | Holiday

Here’s how you can receive your Mishloach Manot gift:

School Pick-Up:
If you have a child who attends the ECC or Religious School, you will receive your gift there during school hours.

• Religious School: February 22, 24, & 25 during school hours
• ECC: Week of February 23 during school hours

Congregation (Non-School Families):
If you did not receive your gift at school, or if you do not have children enrolled, please see the additional pick-up options below.

• Office: February 23–26, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
• Purim Shabbat: Friday, February 27, 7:00 PM
• Your TAE Neighborhood: Wednesday, February 25 (Check your email for details. An email was sent to each temple household on Friday, February 20, at approximately 4:00 PM.)

👉 If you did not receive the email, click here to find out more. 

As a reminder, each household will receive one gift. If you have any questions, please call us at (805) 497-7101.

Why Neighborhood Connections?

TAE Neighborhood Connections brings our congregation together in ten neighborhoods across Ventura and the San Fernando Valley, helping us build meaningful relationships close to home.

As a TAE partner, you are already part of a neighborhood.

Learn about our TAE Neighborhood Initiative here >>

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LagBaOmer

May 13, 2025 | Holiday

Minor Jewish Festive Holiday: Lag BaOmer

What is Lag BaOmer?

🎉 Lag BaOmer is a fun and meaningful Jewish holiday that falls on the 33rd day of the Omer, the count between Passover and Shavuot. The word “Lag” comes from Hebrew letters that add up to 33, and omer means “sheaf,” a bundle of grain.

🌾 In ancient times, the Omer period also marked the spring harvest. It began with an offering of barley at Passover and ended with a wheat offering at Shavuot, connecting the agricultural season to our spiritual journey.

#️⃣ The Omer is a 49-day period marking the journey from Egypt (Passover) to receiving the Torah (Shavuot). During this time, some people avoid traditions like weddings, parties, or haircuts, but on Lag BaOmer, we take a joyful break! 🎉

We remember three important things on Lag BaOmer:

1. A plague that ended among Rabbi Akiva’s students.
2. The life of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a famous Jewish teacher.
3. A military victory by Jewish fighters long ago.

How to Celebrate:

🔥 Enjoy bonfires, picnics, weddings, or even a fresh haircut! It’s a day full of joy and light.

👉 Want to learn more? Click here!