TORONTO — Michael Morris, 39, a vice-principal with the Toronto District School Board, is gearing up to run his 14th annual seder at a group home run by Jewish Family and Child and Youthdale Treatment Centre.
Held this year on March 25 – he is expecting about 35 people – the seder is open to staff and group home residents who celebrate Passover.
“We try to do it a couple of days before Passover, because if at all possible, we like the kids to be with their families on seder night. If they don’t have a family to visit, at least they’ve had a seder. We work hard to try and bring families together,” said Morris, who also leads the seder.
Most of the food is donated, he said, and his father makes the chicken soup and matzah balls. “It is a kosher, catered affair, and the guests have a great time. At the end of the seder, I’ve always been booked in for the next year.”
He said that kids in treatment centres often have a lot of problems, “but when they come to the seder, they are dressed up and well behaved. Everyone participates in the service, and there is a good sense of belonging at the table.”
Morris, who often takes youths to synagogue on a Saturday morning, also does volunteer ski patrol for the Canadian Ski Patrol System. “I know how organizations, especially Jewish organizations, need volunteers, and I try to do what I can to help out. It’s good for me, and it’s good for them.”
