As Passover approaches and the world grapples with the largest humanitarian refugee crisis in decades, the five Chabad affiliate centers in St. Louis region are joining Chabad centers in Europe and around the world in announcing that all are welcome at their Passover seders — the festive dinners celebrating the holiday — on April 15th and 16th.

The community seders take participants through the story of the miraculous liberation of the Jewish people from bondage in ancient Egypt, while sharing the relevance and beauty of the age-old festival in the modern world. Included in the seders will be delectable catered dinner paired with a variety of fine imported wines and handmade round shmurah matzah.

“Every Jew in the St. Louis region is welcome to join one of our many community Passover seders,” said Rabbi Yosef Landa, regional director of Chabad of Greater St. Louis. “The idea is, as the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, taught, that Judaism is a birthright and that every Jewish person, regardless of affiliation, already belongs. It is noteworthy that the Rebbe was born 120 years ago in Nikolayev, Ukraine.”

Chabad communities throughout Europe will be hosting more than 30,000 refugees from Ukraine at their Passover seders as part of a massive humanitarian effort that Chabad has led in response to the crisis. Thousands more refugees will receive Passover food packages, enabling them to celebrate the holiday despite the difficulties they face.

In the St. Louis region, Chabad has joined in the relief efforts, as many community members have contributed to the Ukraine Jewish Relief Fund at ShowMeChabad.com/Ukraine.

All are welcome to join the community seders, regardless of Jewish affiliation or background. For a full listing of Passover community seders in the St. Louis region, and for making reservations, visit www.ShowMeChabad.com/Passover.