Bob and Marcia Kaplan, a retired teacher, join fellow celebrants at the Workmen’s Circle table in preparing for the Kiddush, a ritual of prayer and blessings over wine, during the UFT’s annual Labor Seder.

David Kazansky, a co-chair of the educator's chapter of the Jewish Labor Committee and a trustee of the Teachers’ Retirement System board, watches Barbara Shiller light candles during the annual Labor Seder at UFT headquarters.

Adreina Adams and former City Councilman Robert Jackson raise their cups as the Kiddush is recited over the first cup of wine to remember that everyone is created in the image of God.

George Altomare, one of the UFT’s founders, performs inspirational songs with Vera Campbell during the Seder. Passover commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery and the annual Seder likens the imagery and meaning of Passover to the story of organized labor, complete with persecution, oppressive taskmasters, impossible work demands, work quotas and a struggle for freedom.

Paul Kalka, the chair of the Jewish Committee of the New York State Public Employees Federation, raises a glass of wine as he follows the Haggadah, a text that sets forth —and explains — the order of the Passover Seder.

Karina Arciniegas, a Spanish teacher at the Goldstein HS for the Sciences in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn, enjoys her first Labor Seder.

Mel Aaronson, the UFT treasurer and vice-chair of the Jewish Labor Committee’s educators' chapter, helps serve symbolic foods at the Seder.