Passover Your Way

PASSOVER BEGINS MONDAY, APRIL 18

Seder at NC Hillel: 6 p.m. - RSVP below

Ask Your Questions. Tell Your Story.

The Passover seder (literally "order") is a delicious holiday meal at which we retell the Biblical story of the Israelite Exodus from Egypt through a series of readings and rituals. It is filled with symbolism evoking the twin themes of the evening: slavery and freedom. For many people, the Passover seder is an opportunity to gather with family and friends.

This year NC Hillel invites you do Passover your way! Hillel is supporting a variety of options on campus and you are encouraged to do Passover the way that's best for you. Would you like to host a seder in your home for your friends, or would you prefer to attend one on campus?  Do you want to plan a seder, co-lead, or be a guest?  Do you want to focus your seder on a particular social justice theme like civil rights or women’s rights?  Do you want your seder to have a creative theme that reflects and enhances the messages of Passover?  NC Hillel challenges you to think about how you want to celebrate the holiday of Passover.

This is ‘Passover Your Way.’  Are you up for the challenge?

Interested in leading a seder? We can help. Attend one of three seder leader workshops: Sunday, March 27, 3-5 p.m., Wednesday, March 30, 8-10 p.m., or Wednesday, April 13, 8-10 p.m. RSVP to Jessie Zaleon.

Scroll to the bottom of this page to sign up to attend or host a 'Passover Your Way' seder.

Interested in kosher-for-Passover lunches and/or dinners? Click here for information about the 2011 Passover Meal Plan.

Passover Your Way FAQs

Q: I’ve never led a seder before.  Can I do it?

A: You certainly can! There will be a workshop to train all the leaders, led by Hollis Gauss, a fantastic Jewish educator. The session will be conducted twice, to make sure everyone can attend. Workshops will be held on Sunday, March 27th from 3 to 5 p.m. and Wednesday, March 30th from 8 to 10 p.m.

Q: Do I have to lead the seder by myself?
A: No! We encourage students to lead in groups of two or three and make it a collaborative process. 

Q: I have plans to be with my family for seder on Monday, April 18th. Can I lead a seder at UNC another night?
A: Yes! Students are invited to lead a seder on Passover’s first night (April 18th), second night (April 19th), or any other night of the week-long holiday. 

Q: Do I have to lead a “traditional” seder?
A: No, because there is no such thing as a “traditional” seder!  While there are traditional elements to the seder, the Passover seder is about mixing it up, asking questions, telling stories and exploring the themes of Passover in new and creative ways that you and your friends will find meaningful and inspiring. 

Q: What if I can’t read or speak Hebrew?
A: No problem.  You can include as much Hebrew in your seder as you would like, and Hillel will support you in learning what you need to learn. 

Q: By when do I have to commit to leading?
A: Please complete the Seder Host online registration page by Friday, March 25th. 

Q: How many guests can I have?
A: Each seder should have at least 8 participants, with no more than 20. 

Q: Do all my guests have to be Jewish?
A: No.  In fact, it’s common in many communities to invite non-Jewish guests to seders. 

Q: If I want to make new Jewish friends, can Hillel direct students I don’t know to my seder?
A: Yes.  Hillel expects to hear from many students who want to attend a seder but haven’t been invited to one, and we hope to be able to place them in seders like yours.  If you want to host only your friends, that’s great too. 

Q: By when do I have to have my guest list?
A: Hillel needs a list of your guests’ names and email addresses by Monday, April 11th. 

Q: What about the food?
A: You have a choice between preparing the meal yourself and having Hillel provide it for you.  Or Hillel can provide some of the food and you can cook some.  It’s up to you! 

Q: Will the food be kosher for Passover?
A: Not all hosts’ kitchens will be made kosher for Passover (a process that involves removing all bread and other leavened items, cleaning or replacing utensils, pots and plates).  All food from Hillel’s kitchen will be kosher for Passover.  If you would like to make your kitchen kosher for Passover, Hillel can help you. 

 Q: What if my guests or I are vegetarians or vegans?
A: Hillel can provide vegetarian or vegan food, but will need to know how many vegetarian or vegan guests you expect. 

Q: What if I don’t have enough chairs or tables for all my guests?
A: Hillel will provide tables and chairs for anyone who can’t otherwise seat their anticipated guests. 

Q: I live in a dorm that doesn’t have a great space to host.  Can I still lead a seder?
A: Yes. We can look into reserving space in the Union or another student space, or you may be able to hold your seder at Hillel.