Chabad of Ellicott City will hold a grand pre-Passover model seder featuring live music, a wine tasting, and explanations of Passover foods and traditions on Wednesday, Apr. 17 at 11 a.m. The musical model seder — for seniors (50-plus) — will be held at the Elkridge 50+ Center, 6540 Washington Boulevard in Elkridge. The event will feature a live performance from the Howling Dog Klezmer Band of Ellicott City.

“This year, the Jewish community finds added significance in Passover, which is known as the Festival of Freedom,” said Rabbi Yanky Baron, director of Chabad of Ellicott City. “Amid rising antisemitism in Maryland and around the country, it’s more important than ever that we turn to and embrace our tradition, faith and our Jewish pride.”

This Sunday, Apr. 14, from 3-5 p.m., Chabad will also host a “Model Matzah Bakery,” allowing kids and families to learn about the holiday and see how matzah is baked by hand using a 3,000-year-old recipe.

Other events to be hosted by Chabad of Ellicott City will be two communal seders on Monday, April 22, at 7:15 p.m. and Tuesday, April 23, at 8:30 p.m., as well as two young professional seders. All are welcome to join, regardless of Jewish affiliation or background. Reservations can be made online.

“At this fraught time for Jews, Passover holds a heightened significance,” said Rabbi Baron. “The war in Israel and rising antisemitism, as well as the enduring trauma of Oct. 7 and the 135 hostages in Hamas captivity put a new meaning to the themes of freedom and liberation at the core of Passover.”