Hawaii Jewish organizations are planning communal celebrations for the annual observance of Passover.

The traditional Seder meal combines ritual foods that memorialize the first Passover 3,000 years ago plus a festive banquet to mark the holiday.

The eight-day observance will begin April 8. It commemorates the story in the Book of Exodus of the Hebrews' liberation from slavery in Egypt and the birth of the Jews as a people.

Events planned by the local organizations include the following:

» Chabad of Hawaii, 735-8161. The Orthodox congregation will sponsor Seders at 6:30 p.m. April 8 and 7:30 p.m. April 9 at the Ala Moana Hotel, 410 Atkinson Drive. Chabad will also offer lunch and dinner meals after 10 a.m. morning services and 6:30 p.m. evening services during the weeklong observance.

Advance reservations are required. Tickets for the Seder are $100 for adults and $70 for children ages 2 though 12. Lunch tickets for visitors are $45 for adults, $35 for children, with reduced prices for kamaaina. Dinner tickets for visitors are $70 for adults, $50 for children, with reduced prices for kamaaina. For information call or visit the Web page http://www.chabadhawaii.com.

» Temple Emanu-El, 595-7521. The Sisterhood of Temple Emanu-El will host its annual Second Night Seder at 5:30 p.m. April 9 at the Hale Koa Hotel Waikiki Ballroom, 2055 Kalia Road. A choice of chicken or vegetarian dinners is available.

April 6 is the deadline for reservations. Tickets for visitors are $75 for adults and $55 for children, with reduced prices for temple members. The price for active military personnel and dependents is $45. For reservations call Alida Rutchick, 428-0092, or write to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Registration forms are also available at www.shaloha.com.