By Karel Glazer

The tables were dressed in white tablecloths and flowers as the women arrived to celebrate the first Women's Seder in Nesher. This special event was planned in collaboration with the Women's Division of Broward County who held their Women's Seder the week before.

This initiative is a result of the connections that have developed between the women in both communities. The Nesher community learned from the Broward women, who celebrate the Women's Seder every year.

The special connection, led in Broward by Ida Leightman, and in Nesher by Rinat Weinstein and Tamar Gottesman, has allowed the development of many interesting and important initiatives for the respective communities.

The Seder began with Partnership Director Levana Caro's excitement about the event and about the partnership.

The Seder was opened with a moving message by Ida Leightman to the women: "Dear Sisters in Nesher" (please see article). The message joined us a one group, though on the other side of the ocean, one people, a women to women.

The evening centered on the women's circle of life, challenges, accomplishments and songs by Israeli women poets. A beautiful "Haggada" was written by Rinat Weinstein and Tamar Gottesman and included recognition of women throughout history. Four cups of wine toasted focusing on celebrating different topics such as liberty: Emma Lazarus who's important poem is inscribed on the Statue of Liberty; motherhood, recognition to Rona Ramon and freedom, with a poem to Aviva Shalit.

Forty women attended the event. Each brought food from their ethnic background and celebrated in a wonderful atmosphere. The evening concluded with Be'shana Habaa Be'yerushalaim and much excitement and discussion on how to celebrate next year's Seder.

Thank you to all of the women involved, all that helped in the planning and implementation to achieve this special evening.