Women’s Seders Blend Feminism with Tradition

Though there were likely unremarkable women-led seders held in the past, the first publicly promoted women-only seder was in Haifa, Israel, in 1975 by a small group of Jewish feminists. A year later, one of those participants, author Esther Broner, convened a group of 13 influential women in her New York City apartment to celebrate the holiday together. Those women, including Bella Abzug, Gloria Steinem, and Letty Cottin Pogrebin, became known as the “Seder Sisters.”

To guide that early seder, Broner and Naomi Nimrod co-authored a reimagined Haggadah that featured female Biblical figures who were integral to the Passover story yet are not included in traditional Haggadot. Their book, “The Women’s Haggadah,” also included alternative seder highlights such as four new questions, reinterpreted plagues, and new Seder plate symbols, such as Miriam’s cups and seder plate oranges, all reflecting the challenges and frustrations women have endured through the ages.

Drawing inspiration from those early seders, Ma’yan: The Jewish Women’s Project of the Jewish Community Center Manhattan held its first seder in 1994, which included more than 200 participants. The Ma’yan seders grew to attract more than 2,000 participants a year at four separate seders, and “The Journey Continues: The Ma’yan Passover Haggadah” remains a popular roadmap for seders around the world. Since the 1990s, the proliferation of women-only and women-led seders have blossomed across the country and around the world.

The costs for the Women’s Community Seder are $65 for general reservations and $40 for those under 40. Dinner and Haggadah are included. Reservations are required.

Following those women who paved the way, National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), Atlanta Section and Temple Sinai will host their popular Community Women’s Seder at 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 18, at Temple Sinai. Both NCJW Atlanta and Temple Sinai have held women’s seders separately over the years. Last year, the two organizations teamed up to hold a seder that drew more than 80 women of all ages who joyfully celebrated Passover through a feminist lens.

The theme for this year’s seder will be “From Darkness to Light: A Hopeful Journey toward Renewal and Redemption.” Each guest will receive a specially created Haggadah filled with relevant readings, symbolisms, and songs. The cover features artwork by local artist Lindsay Belnick. The tables will include many of the symbols pertinent to a women’s seder, such as tambourines and Miriam’s Cups. Guests are encouraged to bring their own to help celebrate the Passover story.

The event is co-chaired by Gabby Spatt and Molly Light and led by Rabbi Sam Trief and Bunzl Family Cantorial Chair Beth Schafer, both of Temple Sinai. Schafer’s band will accompany the seder, hoping to again bring guests to their feet in joyful dance and song.

Susan Gordon, co-president of NCJW, Atlanta Section, hopes this year’s seder will lift women up during these days of division and anxiety.

“Being able to share the Passover story from women’s perspective and to break matzah and dance together is a very special way to bond in community as Jewish women, especially now.”

“Being able to share the Passover story from women’s perspective and to break matzah and dance together is a very special way to bond in community as Jewish women, especially now,” said Susan Gordon, co-president of NCJW, Atlanta Section.

“Seders are about the underdogs,” adds Beth Schafer. “Making one’s voice heard, peaceful activism and striving for equality are tied to the themes of Passover. Plus, Miriam [sister of Moses] really knew how to celebrate in song — and we will, too!”

The costs for the Women’s Community Seder are $65 for general reservations and $40 for those under 40. Dinner and Haggadah are included. Reservations are required; https://ncjwatlanta.org/events/2026-community-womens-seder/#em-event-booking-form. The registration deadline is March 9. For more information, call the NCJW Atlanta office at 404-843-9600.