Passover FAQs
Seder Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are the tickets non-refundable? And why is money required to reserve, save or hold seats?
These are policies passed on to us from the hotel. Once we receive the money from you, it is passed on to the hotel before the event. Beth Messiah is required to pay the hotel a set fee whether or not the seats are sold. In the event of financial hardship, please direct your questions and concerns to the office at 713-271-5757. The volunteers selling tickets will not be able to refund your money.
Q: What do I do if my guests decide not to come and I'm stuck with extra tickets?
Please do not return your extra tickets to CBM. Our volunteers can not resell tickets. Once all tickets are sold, you will be able to buy, sell, and trade your extra tickets by contacting those on a posted waiting list.
Q: Can I upgrade my child ticket to an adult ticket or vice versa?
You can upgrade a child ticket to an adult ticket by contacting us and paying the difference. If you need to downgrade an adult ticket to a child ticket, please note that the difference is non-refundable. Each child must have a special "CHILD TICKET" to present to the servers to receive the child's plate.
These changes must be resolved at least one week before the event to ensure that your guests receive the correct menu. Email passover@cbmhouston.org to make these changes. Limit 2 changes in ticket type per guest.
Q: What does the cost of my ticket cover?
Beth Messiah is a non-profit organization, and therefore, our Passover Seder is not a fund-raising event. The entire cost of your ticket is used towards a delicious four-course meal, printed haggadahs, ballroom rental, stage and sound equipment, and benevolence. While other seders in the area are more expensive, we attempt to keep costs affordable for the whole family, while providing a beautiful witness of Yeshua to our guests.
Q: What is the dress attire?
A Coat and Tie Occasion. What you wear to a regular Shabbat morning service will be fine. You will see men in coat and tie, and women in dressier, yet still modest, outfits. The idea is to put our "best foot forward" honoring Adonai, not so much how fancy or formal, but more about the effort made to wash off the grime (both physical and spiritual)from the weeks past, and separate ourselves clean and new for His High Sabbath, Pesach, and His Feast of Matzah.
Q: Why can't we switch tables if we see an empty seat?
An empty seat does not mean an available seat. Each seat has been assigned to and paid for by someone. Late arrivals are common. When they arrive, their ticket stub like your own will indicate which seat is theirs. Ushers have been instructed to reseat individuals who are sitting in the wrong place.
Q: My guest didn't come. Can I take their food home or have a container for my leftovers?
No, because of hotel health codes, we are not allowed to remove food from the premises or bring in our own bottles of wine.
Q: Can I contact the hotel directly for tickets or refunds?
No. Tickets can only be purchased through Beth Messiah (Call the Beth Messiah for more details). Ticket sales stop one week before the event or once all tickets are sold. Tickets are sold on a first come, first paid basis and are non-refundable. No tickets are sold at the door.
Q: Why does Beth Messiah hold their Passover Seder on the second night rather than the first night of Passover?
Traditionally, the first night of Passover is honored in the homes according to the scriptures. The second night of Passover is traditionally celebrated within the congregation and open to the community, to allow others who would not otherwise have the opportunity, to experience and participate in the Seder.
