Communities Come Together for Interfaith Seder in Derby

Members of Derbyshire Jewish Community received a very warm welcome at St Barnabas Church earlier this week, where we joined an interfaith Seder learning event organised with the Derbyshire branch of The Council of Christians and Jews.

The Seder was led by Eve Sacker, who guided attendees through the structure, symbolism and meaning of the evening with clarity and warmth, making it accessible to those experiencing it for the first time.

Together, we explored the biblical story of the Exodus and how it is retold through the modern Jewish Seder. We also discussed what Passover may have looked like in the time of Jesus, and how the Seder as we know it today developed through later Rabbinic tradition.

It was an evening of shared learning, meaningful discussion, and connection. Memories were shared, perspectives exchanged, and new understanding built between communities.

We were particularly pleased to see the event supported by Reverend Alan Griggs, a longstanding friend of Derbyshire Jewish Community, whose continued engagement and openness helps foster strong interfaith relationships locally.

There were also lighter moments throughout the evening. In what may become a new Pesach tradition, one attendee asked whether she needed to eat the entire egg after dipping it in salt water. Assured that she did, she promptly placed the whole egg in her mouth to the amusement of those around her.

Events such as this highlight the value of coming together, learning from one another, and building meaningful connections across faiths and communities.