Where to Find Traditional Easter, Passover Observances

South Bay Christians and Jews observe Easter and Passover this week with a host of activities, from Easter egg hunts for children to traditional Seders and Easter sunrise services. Some of the events and observances scheduled for this week include:

SATURDAY EVENTS FOR KIDS

Inglewood: City of Inglewood, the Kiwanis Club of Imperial/Crenshaw and the District One Block Clubs have an Easter egg hunt for children ages 2 through 12 at Darby Park, 3400 Arbor Vitae, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Children should bring Easter baskets to fill with eggs, prizes and other treats. Face painting, storytelling and other games. Information: (213) 779-2601.

Gardena: Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, sponsored by Gardena Recreation and Human Services Department. Pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee served from 8 to 10 a.m. Simple crafts will be offered for the children. Easter egg hunt begins at 10 a.m. on the city lawn for children up to the sixth grade. Jim Gamble’s Puppet Show, “An Easter Parade,” will be featured from 11:30 a.m. to noon. In case of rain, activities will be held inside. The Easter Bunny will be available for photos from 8 to 10 a.m. Tickets sold before Saturday cost $3 apiece at the Recreation Division office in the Nakoaka Center, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Cost of tickets the day of the event is $4. Information: (310) 217-9537.

Hermosa Beach: City of Hermosa Beach and Beach Cities Jaycees hold sixth annual Community Egg Hunt at Hermosa Valley Park, at the corner of Valley Drive and Gould Avenue. Face painting, games and the egg hunt. The activities are free and open only to the residents of Hermosa Beach. Information: (310) 318-0280.

PASSOVER

Redondo Beach: Sisterhood of Temple Menorah will sponsor its annual Community Seder at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. The catered meal will be kosher. Rabbi Steven Silver and Cantor Richard Schwartz will lead the service, which retells the story of the exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Sinai. Guests invited. Cost is $30 for adults, $15 for children ages 4 through 12, and $7 for children under 4. Temple Menorah Social Hall, 1101 Camino Real, Redondo Beach. Reservations are necessary. Information: (310) 316-8444.

San Pedro: Temple Beth El of San Pedro will offer a community Passover Seder beginning at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Rabbi David Lieb and Cantor Susan Fenyves will lead the services and a traditional Passover dinner will be served. Seating is limited and reservations are requested. The fee is $36 for adults and $18 for children and senior citizens. Temple Beth El is located at 1435 W. 7th St., San Pedro. Information: (310) 833-2467.

Rancho Palos Verdes: Congregation Ner Tamid is having a pre-Passover service for first-born children at 7:30 a.m. Friday. Passover festival services are scheduled at 9:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The public is invited. Congregation Ner Tamid is at 5721 Crestridge Road in Rancho Palos Verdes.

San Pedro: Temple Beth El of San Pedro holds a special Passover Dessert Seder for singles at 7 p.m. Sunday. Rabbi David Lieb will lead an informal discussion-type Seder service, followed by a sharing of ideas on future activities for singles. For information about the Seder or the “Young Jewish Adult Singles” at Temple Beth El, contact the temple office at (310) 833-2467. There is no charge for the Seder, but reservations are requested. Temple Beth-El is located at 1435 W. 7th St., San Pedro.

Lomita: Chabad of South Bay is giving away handmade matzos from Israel on Thursday, and Friday. Only one matzo per person. Pick up free matzo at the synagogue, 24412 Narbonne Ave. in Lomita.

Torrance: The Golden Ambassadors, a group of senior citizens that meets weekly at the South Bay Jewish Community Center, is having a Passover Dessert Seder at 11 a.m. April 23. Although dessert will be served, participants are asked to bring their own bag lunch. Afterward, Rabbi Marc S. Dworkin will speak to the group about the meaning of Passover and its traditions. Members pay $1; non-members, $2. For reservations, call (310) 540-8416. South Bay Jewish Community Center is at 22410 Palos Verdes Blvd. in Torrance.

Rancho Palos Verdes: Congregation Ner Tamid holds a “Freedom Festival” at 8 p.m. April 24. The festival, which will include Hebrew song and dance, will be preceded by Passover services at 6:30 p.m. and a family dinner at 7 p.m. Dinner fees are $16 for adults, $14 for children ages 6 to 12, and $6 for children ages 2 to 5. Reservations and information: (310) 377-6986. Congregation Ner Tamid is at 5721 Crestridge Road in Rancho Palos Verdes.

SUNDAY EASTER SERVICES AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

Manhattan Beach: New Life Presbyterian Church holds an Easter celebration at 7:30 a.m. at Polliwog Park Amphitheater at the corner of Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Redondo Avenue. The service features special and traditional music by the New Life Praise Band. Continental breakfast and Easter egg hunt for children. An additional Easter service will follow at 10 a.m. at the church, located at the corner of Ardmore Avenue and Manhattan Beach Boulevard. Information: (310) 372-8455.

Palos Verdes Estates: The Neighborhood Church of Palos Verdes Estates will celebrate Easter with three special services at 6, 9 and 11 a.m. A sunrise service will be held on the patio overlooking the ocean with a service of readings, prayers and contemporary music. The later services will feature special arrangements and traditional hymns. Dr. Karl A. Johnson will preach on “The Importance of a Christian Interpretation of Life.” The church is located at 415 Paseo del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates. Early seating is recommended. Information: (310) 378-9353.

Redondo Beach: Annual Redondo Beach Easter Sunrise Service. The Rev. Paul Plasencia, pastor of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Huntington Park, will speak on “The Gospel According to Luke as It Calls Us to Rise with Christ.” Veteran’s Park, located next to Redondo Pier. Services run from 5:45 to 7 a.m.

Rolling Hills: Rolling Hills Covenant Church holds its Easter service at 10 a.m. on “The Difference the Resurrection Can Make for You.” Guest speaker for the outdoor celebration will be Ray Ortlund, who is ministering with Renewal Ministries in Newport Beach. There will be Sunday School and nursery for children ages 4 and younger. The church is located at 2222 Palos Verdes Drive North, Rolling Hills Estates. In the event of rain, services will be the usual 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. in the Worship Center. Sunday school and nursery provided at 9:30 a.m. only. Information: (310) 519-9406 or (310) 521-2567.

Redondo Beach: St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 301 Avenue D, will feature special Resurrection Celebration services at 8:45 and 10:30 a.m. Special music by the Chancel Choir. Sunday School and nursery care will be available at both services. Visitors are welcome. Information: (310) 540-5252.

Bike ride: Westside Singles Cycling Club sponsors Easter bike ride and brunch. Ride begins at 10 a.m. at Del Rey Lagoon on the corner of Convoy Street and Pacific Avenue in Playa del Rey. Rides for all levels, from 20 to 35 miles. After the ride, there will be a champagne brunch at Cliff House Restaurant, 6805 Vita Del Mar Lane in Playa del Rey. Reservations necessary for brunch and can be made by calling (310) 364-4616. Brunch: in advance, $17 for members, $20 for guests; at the door, members $22, guests $25.