J C N Z

“Rabbi Asher Altshul, who heads a Russian-speaking kehillah (religious community) in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, says he has changed some of the basics of the group seders he runs since launching them six years ago.

“At first, we invited people free of charge, but now we charge $18 per person per seder, and people have to register in advance. A lot of people said that format wouldn’t work, but in fact our numbers have kept going on up from 60 attendees at the (first night) seder six years ago to 600 last year. When they are asked to pay, people respect themselves more and are making clear they are not coming for a free meal.”

Rabbi Altshul added, “Most of those who attend my seders are family people between the ages of 35 and 45. Usually, those who came to my first night seder two or three years ago, now do their own first night seders at home and come to me on the second night.” He added, “Overall, I see a community that is in the process of developing a strong Jewish identity.”

Read the full story at the Jewish Week.