Finding a low-key, Jewish Atheist Leftist Pot-Luck Seder in Chicago

March 15, 2018 12:21 PM

I am feeling the need to sit around a table with like-minded folks and tell stories about how an evil, oppressive government was punished beyond the imagination of mankind, while the oppressed got to take a nice long walk in the sun and lay down some goddamned ethics. Plus singing and drinking.

I am 100% an atheist, but I am culturally Jewish. I haven't attended any Jewish anything in years, but I would really like to find some culturally Jewish but completely atheist lefty liberals in Chicago who are hosting a culturally-Jewish-but-100%-atheist lefty liberal Seder for Passover. Or, if that's not possible, find a way to seek out the like-minded aforementioned people and organize a pot luck Passover meal. Where would I even begin?

posted by tzikeh to Grab Bag (5 answers total)

Do you have any connections at the U of C? I feel like the entire U of C is sometimes a Jewish leftist atheist pot luck seder, though "low key" is hit or miss there.
posted by Smearcase at 12:28 PM on March 15, 2018 [3 favorites]

It looks like there are a couple of Humanstic Jewish congregations in Chicago: Beth Cheverim and Kol Hadash. They will almost certainly be hosting a community seder, and even if they're not, I bet they'd be willing to match you up with a member. I attended High Holiday services at my local congregation several years ago, and it was a small group, but VERY welcoming. The prayers were all modified to be about community and humanity, with no reference to God at all. Mine at least was mostly an older crowd and I can't speak to how lefty/liberal they were, but I think your chances will be pretty good.

Also, don't be afraid to invite your non-Jewish friends to your own Seder! Ours tend to be about 1/3rd Jewish and 2/3rd not, and everyone loves it. It's hard to argue with 4 cups of wine.
posted by natabat at 12:58 PM on March 15, 2018

And if you do end up hosting your own and need a Haggadah, I wrote one several years ago that I think would fit the bill. MeMail me if you want a copy.
posted by natabat at 1:00 PM on March 15, 2018 [1 favorite]

Mishkan has a Seder-matching service this year, but contact them ASAP.
posted by juniperesque at 2:30 PM on March 15, 2018

The Workmen’s Circle Chicago chapter is hosting a secular, social-justice-focused potluck seder on April 1. Music, stories, discussion and food—could be right up your alley. We have an awesome education coordinator who’s putting together the (short, lefty) seder and an awesome music teacher who’ll be bringing his guitar for Passover songs, old Yiddish labor movement songs, and more.

We are a young organization with a small internet presence thus far, but if you message me I’d be happy to send you the invitation and more information!
posted by bigboggle at 3:00 PM on March 19, 2018