In recent months, members of a Shirat Hayam Synagogue committee have had a vision. This idea featured people of different religious beliefs seated together in a room buzzing with cheer and conversation.

Their goal became a reality on Tuesday as the synagogue hosted its annual Interfaith Seder, which invites people of all religious backgrounds into Shirat Hayam, which translates to “justice for all.”

A seder is a gathering centered around a meal and storytelling, held during the holiday of Passover, which commemorates when the Jews escaped slavery in Egypt and started their journey to the promised land. Nearly 100 people, of multiple faiths, attended Tuesday’s gathering. Guests learned about the holiday and tradition while enjoying songs, readings and even a little bit of dancing.

“I think in this day and age, when you look at what’s happening around the world and in our community, we really need to connect with people of all faiths and beliefs,” said Shirat Hayam event co-chair Jerry Kreitzer. “We have so much more in common than we have in disagreement.”

Kreitzer said only a limited number of Shirat Hayam members were permitted to attend, allowing space for others to partake in the festivities. Seating was arranged so that at least one Jewish person was at each table to help explain and answer questions about the seder.

“As I look around, the majority of people here are not Jewish, which is what we wanted,” said Kreitzer.

After guests learned about the seder and Passover, a traditional Jewish meal of brisket, potatoes, knishes (dough filled with potatoes or cheese) and tzimmes (a stew of vegetables) was served. The committee in charge of the event spent most of the previous day cooking the dinner and preparing for the seder.

“I think when you bring people together like this, it really creates a sense of connection, understanding and joy in finding out other people’s beliefs and practices,” said co-chair Barbara Sidman.

Gathering at events like this allows people to replace preconceived ideas and stereotypes about one another with real, shared experiences, according to Sidman.

“All of a sudden you look out and see people talking and sharing phone numbers, this is what it should be,” said Sidman. “Just talk to each other. And what better way to talk to each other than over a meal.”