Steam rises as Amanda Gallagher drops a matzo ball into boiling water while she and others prepared food Sunday for 75 people attending the Passover Seder at Temple Beth El in Augusta. The balls are made using egg, parsley, butter, salt and matzo meal. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Phylis Santer, left, and Cindy Langewisch prepare grape juice while setting tables for 75 people attending the Passover Seder Sunday at Temple Beth El in Augusta. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

AUGUSTA — Sixteen Temple Beth El volunteers helped mark a sacred Jewish holiday over the weekend as they helped set up, cook, greet people and assist with parking during the Passover Seder Sunday celebration, according to Rabbi Erica Asch of Temple Beth El.

They made matzo ball soup and charoset and arranged the Seder plates for the 75 participants. The rest of the meal was a potluck, with numerous people making and sharing family favorites, according to Asch.

Individuals aged 1 to 80-plus participated. “We gather each year on the second night of Passover to retell the story of our journey from slavery to freedom. We eat symbolic foods, sing and enjoy being in community together to celebrate the holiday. The holiday of Passover lasts a week during which we do not eat any leavened products. It is one of the most important holidays of the Jewish year,” said Asch.

Carrie McCarter, from left, Amanda Gallagher, Rabbi Erica Asch and a community member prepare food Sunday for the Passover Seder meal served to 75 people attending the Passover Seder at Temple Beth El in Augusta. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel