Passover, Celebrating Freedom

Growing up, most of us learned the story of Moses leading the Jews out of Egyptian slavery after the ten plagues, parting of the Red Sea, and surviving in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights, eventually receiving the Ten Commandments. The yearly celebration of Passover is really a historical ritual recognizing the right to worship as you wish. The Seder is a meal consisting of specific items, each with special significance. There are also special readings and nightly lighting of candles. Passover is a global message of freedom, still relevant in today’s society. Celebrate Passover, celebrate freedom.

• The Place: La Jolla: The Place’s location in El Cajon is well known for being a Glatt Kosher restaurant with a delicious Israeli/Moroccan touch. The Place has now opened a location at the in La Jolla. The menu includes salads, pita and deli sandwiches, kabobs, schnitzels, burgers and a kid’s menu. For Passover, The Place offers a special Passover menu for take-out or delivery consisting of a variety of choices for a Seder meal, including the Seder Plate and home made Haroset. Additional items are babganoush, kugels, Moroccan salmon, brisket, lamb, stuffed chicken breast, plus much more. Special Seder meals can be ordered for 10 guests, which includes their fancy Pesach cakes. Special prices for Passover raw meats are also offered. The Place: La Jolla at the Jewish Community Center, 4126 Executive Dr., La Jolla, 858-362-1353, sandiegokosher.com.
• Congregation Beth El and Beth Am: The Beth El (La Jolla) and Beth Am (Del Mar) congregations are jointly hosting a Second Night Passover Seder on Tuesday, April 19, starting at approximately 6:30 p.m., following services in the Jacobs Family Community Hall. There will be a traditional family style Seder and Kosher L’Pesach meal, along with lively songs and melodies. For Beth El and Beth Am members, cost is $45 for adult, $28 for youth (ages 4-12); and nonmembers cost is $50 for adult and $30 for youth. Children under 4 are free. Seating is limited, so make reservations soon. Seder is at Beth El, 8660 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, 858-452-1734, cbe.org. For Beth Am information, visit betham.com.
• Milton’s. A popular restaurant, delicatessen and bakery, offers sit-down and take-out options for Passover dinners. On April 18 and 19, sit down for a White Tablecloth Passover Dinner, served after 4 p.m. The meal is $29.95 for adults and $12.95 for children under 10. The special meal consists of chopped liver or Gefilte fish, matzo ball or sweet and sour cabbage soup, potato pancakes or roasted potatoes, and carrot tzimmes or glazed carrots. For an entrée choose from half roasted chicken, brisket of beef, grilled salmon or roast breast of turkey. Then end with their Passover dessert plate. A Seder will not be held, and Milton's regular menu will also be available. The same dinner is available for take-out, as well as ordering items a la carte, including delicious desserts of honey cake, sponge cake, chiffon cake, macaroons and Passover cookies. Milton’s, 2660 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, 858-792-2225, miltonsdeli.com.  
• Kahal Am Seder at Milton’s: The Kahal Am congregation, which meets at Encinitas and Carmel Valley locations, is offering a Passover Seder at Milton’s on Saturday, April 23, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. The multicourse meal costs $38 for members, $48 for nonmembers, and $18 for all children under 10. Entrée choices include half roasted chicken, brisket of beef, roast turkey breast, grilled salmon or vegetarian. Reservations must be made by April 15. Kahal Am, P.O. Box 927751, San Diego 92192, 858-549-3088, kahalam.org.
• Chabad at La Costa: The Chabad’s Community Seders on April 18 and 19 is open to everyone. Guests are welcome to enjoy an exciting experience of tastes, aromas, textures, sounds and sights of Passover. Both nights will recollect the meaningful events of the Haggadah and help attendees hear the message about personal growth, brought to life at the Seder. RSVP soon, as space is limited. Chabad at La Costa, 1980 La Costa Ave., Carlsbad, 760-943-8891, chabadatlacosta.com.
• St. Patrick Catholic Church: The church invites all to join the church in celebrating the Passover with a Seder meal on Monday, April 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the parish center. In honor of their Jewish brothers and sisters, and in celebration of both the Eucharist and Passover sacrifices and ritual meals, there will be a simple soup dinner offered after the Seder meal liturgy. Cost is $5 per person, and guests are asked to register in advance. St. Patrick Catholic Church, 3821 Adams St., Carlsbad, 760-729-2866, stpatrickcarlsbad.com.

Noteworthy

Passover Food Drive: Jewish Family Services of San Diego will take donations, food and other items, to prepare Passover baskets for those in need. Jewish Family Service, Turk Family Center, 8804 Balboa Ave., San Diego, 858-637-3000, jfssd.org.

Invitational Passover Show: Old Story/New Works: The San Diego Center for Jewish Culture at the JCC in La Jolla is hosting an exhibit commemorating the story of the Exodus through May 23, 2011. The exhibit showcases local and regional artist’s works that creatively interpret the meaning of Passover. Artists include Josh Herman, Liz Mamorsky and Steven Gould. The exhibit is free and open to the public from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. San Diego Center for Jewish Culture, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla, 858-362-1348, sdcjc.lfjcc.org

Rancho Bernardo Inn: Plan a Passover staycation at the Rancho Bernardo Inn where you can choose from nightly or full Passover (nine nights) rates. Find peace in the tranquil synagogue onsite, while enjoying all the resort amenities. Traditional Seder meals can be arranged at your own private family table, or at conducted Seder services. The Pesach meals are prepared by Glatt Kosher and Cholov Yisroel. Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr., San Diego, 877-517-9340, ranchobernardoinn.com.