To broaden the cultural experience of its members and the greater North Shore Jewish community, Temple Beth-El of Great Neck will commemorate Maimouna and Shab-e Sal—the moment when Moroccan and Persian Jews mark the end of Passover and the return of hametz (leavened products)—with Sephardic melodies and a dessert reception on Friday, April 14, at 7 p.m.
In recent years, TBE has been more inclusive of Jews whose customs and identity originate beyond the Ashkenazi (European) tradition. TBE’s Cantor Adam Davis recently organized a Nowruz (Persian New Year) event at the synagogue, and last year he arranged a Maimouna celebration at the end of Pesach, the Moroccan sister holiday to Shab-e Sal (Night of the Year), when hametz can once again be eaten.
“Having celebrated a 600-year-old Sephardic Torah, we’ve sought to be more inclusive of Mizrahi (North African and Middle Eastern) Jews, whose presence is increasingly felt in our congregation and is already an important part of our surrounding community,” said Cantor Davis.
To mark these occasions, TBE will hold a special Erev Shabbat service featuring celebratory Sephardic melodies led by Cantor Davis and backed by the Koby Hayon Trio. As we welcome back the hametz, a delicious dessert reception with Middle Eastern treats will follow services. To participate, scan the QR code below or visit http://bit.ly/3McaPxy. RSVPs are requested but not required. For more information or to register, call 516-487-0900.
Temple Beth-El is Great Neck’s oldest synagogue, serving the community for more than 90 years. Learn more by visiting www.tbegreatneck.org, calling 516-487-0900 or emailing [email protected].
