Open Dor

Welcome to Open Dor

Open Dor is a non-profit 501(c)3 foundation that reaches out to unaffiliated and marginally active Jews, as well as to non-Jews who are part of the Jewish family through marriage to a Jew or through Jewish ancestry, aiming to increase their participation in Jewish learning and culture.

Wondering if Open Dor is right for you?

  • Do you want to explore your Jewish heritage?
  • Are you a young adult with a Jewish parent or grandparent?
  • Are you non-Jewish with a Jewish partner?
  • Are you interested in learning how Judaism can spiritually enhance your life?
  • Do you want personal guidance for your Jewish journey?

How is This Night Different?

6 Tuesday mornings, March 13, 20, 27, April 10, 17, 24, 10:00-10:50 am   OR

6 Wednesday evenings, March 14, 21, 28, April 11, 18, 25, 7:30-8:20 pm

Saul Bendit Adult Institute, Congregation Beth El of Montgomery County (301-652-2606)

In this course, we will study the origins of the seder as we read the text of the Haggadah illustrating how past generations celebrated the story of freedom. As we uncover layers in the development of the Haggadah, we will discover traces of the relationship between rabbinic Judaism and early Christianity, including parallels between Easter and Pesach. We will note historical circumstances that produced later additions to the text. We will explore rituals and readings that we can add which reflect our experience as contemporary Jews, adding our own voice to the evolving tradition.