-Courtesy of Broad Street Communications
photo by Jordan August, Freedom Seder 2023
The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History’s 2024 Passover-inspired Freedom Seder Revisited event – which brings together people of all faiths, races, and cultures for a night of storytelling, performances, and conversations about freedom – will feature the voices of Philadelphians impacted by the criminal justice system.
At this year’s Freedom Seder Revisited on Sunday, April 14th, Mural Arts’ Restorative Justice program participants will take the stage to tell their stories. In the weeks leading up to the event, The Weitzman, Mural Arts, and First Person Arts will lead storytelling workshops with Restorative Justice participants, who include returning citizens and community members.
The evening will feature the popular and high-energy band Snacktime Philly. Tickets are now available.
“With each year, our Freedom Seder Revisited evolves into an even more beautiful and relevant way to mark Passover,” says Dan Samuels, Director of Public Programs, The Weitzman. “Though Passover took place millennia ago and the Civil Rights movement decades ago, the stories and themes from both are as relevant as ever. We are excited to lift up the work of Mural Arts’ Restorative Justice program, and the impact it has on people and communities here in Philadelphia.”
The Weitzman plans to set empty places at the tables for the hostages held in Gaza on (what may be) their 190th day of captivity.
“The Israeli hostages in Gaza remain top of mind for us here at the Weitzman and across our community. We hope for a safe return home so they may spend the Passover holiday in freedom with their families,” Samuels continues.
“This collaboration for Freedom Seder Revisited underscores our dedication to using art as a medium for social change, bringing to light the powerful narratives of those impacted by the criminal justice system,” says Jane Golden, Executive Director, Mural Arts Philadelphia. “It’s an honor for Mural Arts to contribute to this profound celebration of freedom and community, fostering dialogue and understanding across diverse backgrounds.
“Our continued collaboration with The Weitzman reflects our core belief that everyone has a story to tell,” says Jamie J Brunson, Executive Director, First Person Arts. “This partnership allows us to uplift the voices of Philadelphians impacted by the criminal justice system through the art of storytelling.”
“Freedom Seder Revisited” is inspired by the 1969 Freedom Seder — where interfaith clergy held a Passover seder with 800 people of all backgrounds at a Black-led church in Washington, D.C., on the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. They connected the ancient story of persecution to the Civil Rights Movement.
The Weitzman has hosted this annual signature event since 2013. It includes symbolic Passover seder foods and wine, served at communal round tables in the Museum’s 5th-floor ballroom overlooking Independence Mall.
Instead of a traditional seder, the retelling of the Exodus story will be substituted with an artfully curated lineup of storytellers, speakers, and songsters whose presentations will reflect Passover themes such as “narrows to the expanse,” “immigration and exodus,” “freedom,” and “welcoming the stranger.”
View a highlights reel from past events and the full recording of last year’s event.
This event is developed collaboratively with partner organizations Mural Arts Philadelphia and First Person Arts.
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