Two weeks before Passover, some 375 women and girls gathered at the Woodbury Jewish Center to participate in the Fourth Annual "Woman to Woman: A Unique and Inspirational Seder." The model seder, which was sponsored by the Long Island Women's Campaign of the United Jewish Appeal-Federation (UJA) of New York and Connections - a Jewish outreach program funded by UJA-Federation, promised women a night of camaraderie, sisterhood, and spiritual reflection.

Mindy Kantor of Old Westbury has attended the seder every year with her 15-year-old daughter, Erica. This seder was particularly important to Mindy because not only did she have the honor of chairing the event along with Port Washington resident Tami Ruben, but this year her 10-year-old daughter, Michelle, came too. "As we view the exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt from a woman's point of view, we're also creating a special memory," said Kantor of her two daughters.

Kantor was also proud of the showcase of Israeli Judaica that took place during the cocktail hour preceding the seder. Called "Miriam's Marketplace," the boutique was meant to boost support for Israeli artists and the Israeli economy. In addition, 10 percent of all sales were donated to the UJA-Federation. "Both Israel's spirit and economy are really hurting right now because of the terrible violence in the area," said Kantor. "Buying Israeli products is just one way we can show solidarity with Israel."

Ruben, who brought her 11-year-old daughter, Nina, and her mother-in-law, aunt, cousins, and sister-in-law to the seder, said the women's model seder allows women to enjoy a meaningful seder without having to worry about planning, cooking, serving, or hosting. She added that as Passover commemorates the freedom of the Jewish people from slavery and the fulfillment of God's promise to bring them to the holy land, this seder affords women the opportunity to explore the meaning of freedom as their roles change in society and in Jewish life.

Judy Baum, chair of the Long Island Women's Campaign and Roslyn Harbor resident, said, "The value of freedom that we as Americans and as Jews cherish is deeply rooted in Passover. This seder takes on a very special significance considering the events of 9/11 and the escalating and tragic violence in Israel. We hope and pray for the day that all people can live together in peace."

Led by Rabbi Jill Kreitman, Port Washington resident and director of education for the Central Synagogue in Manhattan, and Song Leader Shira Kline, the seder was filled with contemporary interpretation and Hebrew from the woman's perspective, female historical references and role-models, and proclamations of women's deeds. Tambourines and maracas were placed at every seat and music filled the room.

As Shira Kline began singing Miriam's Song, the throng erupted to their feet, tambourines in hand, and danced around the tables throughout the room. Miriam, sister of Moses and prophet in her own right, has come to symbolize the strength, leadership, and heart of the Jewish woman as the backbone of the Jewish people.

Each woman could point to something significant that they gleaned from the seder. For some, it was Miriam's Cup. The cup was filled with water to symbolize Miriam's well, which was said to hold divine power to heal and renew. For others, it was the singing and dancing, or certain prayers and readings. But many remembered the recitation of the modernized plagues and plan to incorporate them into their Passover seder.

The 10 plagues which are traditionally recited while spilling a drop of wine to diminish the joy of the celebration as the devastation to the Egyptian people is remembered were also brought into the modern day. As the first plague, Da-am (blood), was recalled, the women recited in unison "The blood shed because of weapons and terrorism." The final plague that remembers the slaying of the first-born was matched with "the countless babies who die each year from drug addiction, AIDS, violence, and war."

"The [Ma'yan Passover] Haggadah we read from is not typical," said Erica Kantor. "It's interesting and contemporary and gives you something to think about."

Some 375 women, girls, mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, cousins, and friends had a lot to think about that night. Every Passover, Diaspora Jews proclaim "next year in Jerusalem" as the eternal hope for reunification of the Jewish people in the promised land. This year, Rabbi Kreitman asked the group to recite that phrase with solemn prayer that Jerusalem may soon be free from pain and destruction."

The world's largest local philanthropy, UJA-Federation of New York helps 1.4 million persons in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester as well as three million in Israel and 60 other countries including the former Soviet Union. Funds raised sustain the activities of more than 100 health, social-service, educational, and community agencies, which respond to emergency crises, feed the poor, help domestic violence victims, provide job training, psychological counseling, senior housing, and camping and other recreational programs.