Penn State Hillel will host five different Seder options for Penn State students and community members for Passover this year, which begins Friday, April 22 at sundown and will continue through sundown on Saturday, April 29.
Each Seder will offer a unique Passover experience highlighting some of the major themes of the the Jewish people's exodus from slavery in Egypt: freedom, oppression and social justice. Penn State Seder options include:— Traditional Seder: a traditional seder, led by AISH Penn State— Freedom Seder: a social justice seder focusing on the theme of freedom and liberation during Passover— LGBTQA Seder: a seder focused on LGBTQA issues, freedom, and equal rights for all— Musical Seder: a music-infused seder through the On-One-Foot Hagaddah. Learn new (and classic) Passover songs.— Not Your Bubbe's Seder: a non-traditional, boisterous seder based on the On-One-Foot Hagaddah.
Seder begins at sundown (8 p.m.) and tickets for each Seder on April 22 can be purchased at www.pennstatehillel.org/event/PESACH. Student tickets cost $18 in advance, and $25 at the door. Non-Student tickets cost $36 in advance, and $45 at the door.
In addition to the Seder options through Penn State Hillel, students can observe Passover across campus. Campus Dining will offer Passover-friendly options at Waring Dining Commons in West Halls. All food is orthodox kosher certified by Aish Penn State Director Rabbi Ricki Vigon.
Students will also have an opportunity to build their own Seder experience through Penn State Hillel’s JewPAC, the Jewish Programming and Allocations Committee. Students can apply for funding to host their own Seder in their dorm, apartment or living community.
Passover is an eight-day holiday that commemorates the Jewish people’s exodus from Egypt. The holiday is divided into two parts — yom tov, or the holy days (the first two days and the last two days), and chol hamoed, or the intermediate holiday (the four days in between). The holiday is celebrated with candle-lighting, kiddush (blessings over wine) and festival meals.
Students can learn more about Passover, JewPAC and other opportunities online at www.pennstatehillel.org or on Penn State Hillel's Facebook page.