IT’S BACK!
VASSAR TEMPLE FIRST NIGHT SEDER
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | Vassar Temple Social Hall
140 Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
5:30 PM: All-Ages Service | Dinner to Follow
Led by Rabbi Jeff Stombaugh
Join us for a meaningful, welcoming, and fun evening of ritual,
storytelling, laughter, and connection
Enjoy a festive kosher-style Passover meal featuring:
Matzah Ball soup • Appetizers • Entrée (chicken, fish, or vegetarian)
• Herbed vegetables • Passover desserts
• wine, juice & soft drinks included
- Open to temple members, family & friends,
as well as everyone in the community are invited to attend
Adults $54 | Teens $18 | Kids $7 | Under 5 Free
RSVP by March 20
Payment confirms your reservation. Check, cash or credit cards accepted.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
If you have specific dietary or kashrut questions, or any other concern,
we welcome you to reach out in advance to:
Email: seder@vassartemple.org Phone: (914) 456-3524
Financial assistance available upon request
Space is limited — reserve early
Vassar Temple First Night Seder ~ Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this Seder open to the broader community? Yes. This Seder is open to Temple members, family and friends, and the broader community — people who are Jewish, Jew-ish, Jewish-connected, or simply curious about Judaism and Passover. If you’ve been to many Seders before, we hope this will feel joyful and familiar. If you’ve never attended a Passover Seder, this is a welcoming place to begin your Jewish learning journey.
- May I bring a guest who is not Jewish? Absolutely. Vassar Temple is inclusive of interfaith families and friends. You are welcome to bring guests who are not Jewish.
- Is this appropriate for children? This will be a family-friendly, participatory Seder geared toward adults. There will be interactive moments and table-based activities for children 5+. Please note: we are not providing childcare. Children must remain supervised by their parents or guardians throughout the evening.
- What kind of Seder is this? This will be a Reform, participatory, musical, full First Night Seder led by Rabbi Jeff Stombaugh. It will include traditional ritual, creative elements, short discussions, and meaningful ways to engage with the story of Passover.
- How long will the Seder last? The service will begin at 5:30 PM. We anticipate concluding by approximately 8:00 PM.
- Is the space accessible? The Seder will take place in the Temple social hall, which is located downstairs. Vassar Temple has an elevator that is currently being repaired, and we anticipate it being operational before the Seder. If accessibility is a concern, please contact the Temple office for the most up-to-date information.
- What does the ticket price cover? Ticket prices are set to cover food and event-related expenses, any excess will be donated to Vassar Temple. Check, cash or credit cards accepted.
- What if I cannot afford the ticket price? We do not wish for finances to be a barrier. If the cost is an issue, please reach out confidentially to the Temple office and we will work with you.
- How does registration work? Advance registration is required by March 20. Payment confirms your reservation. Please use the registration link provided:
- What if my plans change? If you need to cancel, please notify us as soon as possible. Refunds can be issued through the RSVP deadline of March 20.
- What does “kosher-style” mean for this Seder? Vassar Temple maintains a kosher-style kitchen. Our kitchen is not hechshered or supervised by a Vaad. For Passover, the kitchen will be thoroughly cleaned and prepared. Chametz is removed, and food served at the Seder will be kosher for Passover and parve. The meat served will not be certified kosher, but we will not mix meat and dairy, and no chametz will be served.
- I observe a stricter level of kashrut. Is this Seder appropriate for me? If you observe a stricter standard of kashrut, this Seder may not meet your personal practice. If you would like more information or wish to speak directly with the Rabbi, please contact the Temple office.
- Will there be vegetarian, gluten-free, or allergy-sensitive options? Yes. Vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options will be available. If you have additional allergy concerns, please reach out in advance so we can do our best to support you.
- Who should I contact with additional questions? For additional questions, please contact seder@vassartemple.org or call (845) 454-2570. We are happy to help. We look forward to gathering together for a meaningful and joyful Passover celebration.
