#USA #Los Angeles #Unity #Zioness #Freedom Seder

Freedom Seder LA: An Evening of Unity and Liberation

On the evening of April 18, 2025, Los Angeles became a hub of cultural solidarity as the Zioness Movement hosted Freedom Seder LA. This unique event brought together an inspiring mix of leaders, artists, clergy, and activists, all dedicated to fostering unity between Black, Jewish, and Black-Jewish communities. The evening's hosts included prominent figures such as CNN commentator Van Jones, Bishop-Designate Michael Fisher from the Greater Zion Church Family, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback of the Stephen Wise Temple, and Amanda Berman, the founder of Zioness.

Rooted in the traditions of Passover, Freedom Seder LA aimed to celebrate the intertwined stories of liberation from oppression. This year's gathering was particularly poignant, following a smaller but meaningful Freedom Seder held last Passover. More than 200 enthusiastic guests took part in the event, including notable attendees like Compton Mayor Emma Sharif, California State Senator Ben Allen, Grammy-winning songwriter Autumn Rowe, rapper Aloe Blacc, actor Marc Feuerstein, and student leaders committed to bridging community gaps.

As the event unfolded at Stephen Wise Temple, attendees experienced an evening rich in reflection and ritual. Each detail, from symbolic foods to stirring musical performances, invited participants to engage deeply with traditions while incorporating contemporary narratives of identity, freedom, and leadership. Berman emphasized the urgency of solidarity between the two communities, especially in light of the prevailing vulnerabilities each faces. "It is hard to imagine a more moving experience than this," she expressed, championing the connections fostered through unity.

Van Jones echoed this sentiment, stating, “The story of Exodus connects our communities and lays the groundwork for a prosperous future.” He believes gatherings like the Freedom Seder are essential to healing divides and nurturing hope.

In keeping with the Seder’s format, attendees partook in open discussions centering around well-thought-out prompts tied to the traditional rituals. Not only did they break bread together, but they also shared stories that highlighted their shared struggles and victories throughout history. Bishop Designate Michael Fisher reflected on the historical covenant renewed during such events and insisted that fostering these communal bonds is crucial to combating racism, anti-Semitism, and hatred.

As the discussion continued, Deborah Marcus likened sharing a ritual meal to a powerful tool for connection. She pointed out that the Exodus narrative is foundational not only for the Jewish people but resonates deeply with many narratives in the Black community. "Identifying the in-common experiences of our ancestors can help us come together and encourage solidarity," she said. This notion underlines the gathering’s objective: to cultivate a spirit of collaboration within and among these cultures.

Rabbi Zweiback highlighted the evening's essence as a sacred intertwining of memory and commitment to each other. He urged attendees to listen to each other’s stories with curiosity and empathy, allowing diverse perspectives to flourish. In this time of societal challenges, he emphasized, embracing each other's experiences translates to growth.

Overall, Freedom Seder LA represented a beautiful tapestry woven from the rich histories of the Black and Jewish communities. Through collective reflection and celebration, the event served as a reminder of the power of unity amid adversity. As attendees left the temple, they carried with them not just memories of shared rituals, but a renewed commitment to building bridges toward a better, united future. This gathering not only celebrated past struggles but also ignited enthusiasm for continued collaboration and understanding, echoing throughout Los Angeles and beyond.

About the Organizations Involved

Creative Artists Agency (CAA) is a premier entertainment and sports agency known for its commitment to innovative client services, ranging from media finance to sponsorship sales.

Greater Zion Church Family, under the guidance of Pastor Michael Fisher, focuses on transforming lives through education and communal service, driven by a commitment to the spiritual and social needs of its members.

Stephen Wise Temple strives to enact meaningful change through acts of loving kindness and the mindful study of Torah, supporting its congregants and the broader Jewish community.

Zioness champions social justice causes as a coalition of progressive Jewish activists, ensuring a vibrant space for both Jewish identity and social equity in America.