If Elijah didn’t show up to your Passover this year, odds are it’s because he scored an invite to a star-studded seder with Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez.
This past Sunday, chef Jake Cohen, comedian Alex Edelman and award-winning composer Benj Pasek, who have dubbed themselves “the Jewish Joy Boys,” hosted a “Later Seder” to mark the final night of Passover. In addition to the recently-engaged Blanco and Gomez, the guest list included actress Debra Messing, singer Jessie Ware and her mother Lennie, Broadway star Shoshana Bean, comedian Judy Gold, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, chef Ben Siman Tov and more.
Based on photos and videos shared by the Jewish Joy Boys on Instagram, the seder blended traditional elements with chametz and nods to other holidays of the day. On the more traditional side, Alex Edelman led the singing of “Dayenu” and “Chad Gadya.” A delicious looking dinner spread included boxes of Manischewitz matzah, Jerusalem bagels, green zhug, platters of fresh fruit, veggies and cheese. As at any Jewish event, there was plenty of schmoozing between guests. And finally, Rabbi Buchdahl, the senior rabbi of Central Synagogue, offered some words of Jewish wisdom to the group.
On the more non-traditional side of things, there was a massive chocolate bunny, held up in one photo by Benny Blanco, in recognition of Easter. In addition to matzah brittle, for dessert there were loaves of babka from Breads Bakery in the shape of “4/20.” And later in the evening, the Later Seder turned into a full-on party with Blanco DJ’ing and eventually both Blanco and Gomez singing along to their song “Bluest Flame.”
Could the evening have looked any more fun?! Dayenu!
