The Empty Chair Project

On Seder night, one of the most family-oriented nights of the year, Navah tries to fill the empty chairs at the table with love and support. For the past 21 years, Navah has organized a central Seder for orphans, widows/widowers, and bereaved parents at a hotel, accompanied by a professional team, well-known speakers, and spiritual leaders. In addition to the communal Seder, the 3-day hotel stay includes professional workshops to empower the families as well as enjoyable and uplifting cultural performances. Over the past two decades, thousands have participated in Navah's Empty Chair project.

Who Will the Children Ask the Four Questions?

This year, as a result of the Swords of Iron War, there are hundreds of bereaved families and orphaned children left without a parent to host the Passover Seder. Instead of experiencing the joyous family atmosphere typically associated with the holiday of freedom, grieving families face the daunting task of sitting opposite an empty chair, a stark reminder of their profound loss. In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, this emotional burden can feel almost impossible.

Navah’s Empty Chair project aims to provide bereaved families with a solution for Seder night, alleviating, even if only slightly, the immense pain and longing. Creating a familial, pampering, and joyful atmosphere, we offer a supportive and embracing atmosphere, a safe emotional space that recognizes their deep pain and grief, and provides them with love and therapeutic support.

What Makes this Passover Different?

The Empty Chair Project 2025 will host 300 orphans, widows/widowers, and bereaved parents at the Royal Hotel at the Dead Sea. Because the Seder falls on Saturday night, the program includes a four-day, three-night stay. The program will feature a communal Seder led by Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon with a choir, performances for children, teens, and adults, and a variety of therapeutic workshops and activities facilitated by mental health professionals, all within an embracing, supportive, and inclusive atmosphere.

This unique and emotional night allows bereaved families to share their deep pain and grief at the holiday table, while also creating space for joy and belonging. The Seder blends sadness and happiness, empowering them through shared experience and the strength that comes from bonding together to navigate their ongoing grief.