News

Revelations on the Omer: How Hillel Made Its Counting Count

Author

Lily Coltoff

Date

May 30, 2025

For the past seven weeks, Hillel professionals have been connecting over WhatsApp for Sefirat haOmer, the Counting of the Omer, marking each of the 49 days from the second night of Passover to the holiday of Shavuot, the day when the Jewish people received the Torah. To help celebrate each day, Hillel educators and leaders from across the world have been sharing their reflections on the theme of revelation and answering the question, “What does it mean to experience revelation in the modern day?” Here are some of their thoughts:

Sofia Seitchik – Gallaudet Hillel

“Why revelation? What does it mean?” asked Sofia Seitchik, program director of Gallaudet Hillel. “Not only does it receive  [the] Torah, but it also awakens our soul, our history, and our identity… The Omer’s purpose is to connect us to our roots and spiritual growth, [allow us to] reflect our lives by counting on each day, and, step by step, to transform.” Sofia, who was born Deaf and grew up in the former Soviet Union, compared her own journey of finding a more inclusive and welcoming community in the United States to the transition from Passover to Shavuot, a transition from slavery to freedom, then to enlightenment.

Samantha Brody – Boston University Hillel

Samantha Brody, Springboard Ezra Fellow at BU Hillel, focused on the liminal space between Passover and Shavuot. “The Counting of the Omer, while it doesn’t require the same level of preparation and all the cooking that Pesach and Shavuot do, it actually takes more time. Counting the Omer draws attention to the space between the two holidays and the journey that b’nai Yisrael [the Jewish nation] goes on from when they leave Egypt until they’re ready to receive the Torah.” She stressed the importance of the Omer taking time to count, saying, “Counting the Omer reminds us that, in revelation, and in our own learning today, there isn’t instant gratification.” 

Zion Tunstall – University of California, Santa Cruz Hillel

Zion Tunstall, director of Jewish student life at Santa Cruz Hillel, took a different approach to revelation, sharing, “When we think of revelation, we often think of Sinai… We imagine that truth arrives in grand, dramatic moments, that wisdom comes from above, far away, somewhere out there. But Torah does not only arrive in spectacle. Torah can come softly.” She goes on to describe some of that Torah, saying, “Maybe, the most sacred truth of all, is that we are not only carrying our own wisdom. We are the living, breathing, revelation of every hope, every prayer, every whispered dream our ancestors carried across deserts, seas, and centuries.”

Rabbi Rob Gleisser – Penn State Hillel

When thinking about receiving revelation, Rabbi Rob Gleisser, senior Jewish educator at Penn State Hillel, took a more comedic approach and an opportunity to showcase his musical talents. He sang, “When we think about Sinai, we’re taught we were all there, that means me and you/We received the Torah – that means all the Israelites, that means all the Jews.” He goes on to imagine what it might look like for all of Am Yisrael – the Jewish people – to be at Sinai, describing, among other examples, “Your executive director was basically davening with Doja Cat. /Seinfeld was telling jokes to your first-year Springboard and Ben Platt.”

We hope you enjoyed this taste of Omer Torah that Hillel professionals have been sharing over the last several weeks. Interested in learning more about Shavuot? Check out our guide to celebrating this Torah and cheese-centered holiday! 

The post Revelations on the Omer: How Hillel Made Its Counting Count appeared first on Hillel International.

News

Celebrating Israel’s 77th Birthday — Hillel Style!

Author

Hillel International

Date

May 6, 2025

At Hillels around the world, Jewish college students celebrated Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s 77th birthday, in diverse and exciting ways. Before jumping into the Hillel celebrations below, check out highlights from Jewish students celebrating Israel across the country: 

University of Colorado at Boulder (CU Boulder Hillel)
Nearly 400 students gathered on Farrand Field for CU Boulder Hillel’s annual Israel Fest. Featuring trivia competitions, lawn games, art projects, and of course, free falafel, Israel Fest gave all CU Boulder students – including members of their “Jewish Herd” – an opportunity to learn about and celebrate Israel.

University of Miami (UM Hillel)
At UM Hillel, Israel Week truly lived up to its name, with events taking place nearly every day. The week kicked off with a Mimouna celebration – a post-Passover tradition with Moroccan roots – which included mufletas (traditional Moroccan pancakes), a tie-dye station, and a surprise visit from a very special guest: a llama. In the middle of the week, students had the opportunity to hear from Dalia Ziada, a prominent Egyptian peace activist and speaker for Hillel International’s Teach-In Tour, who shared her journey of growing beyond the narratives she was raised with. Later, students celebrated Israel at the TLV Rooftop Party with an Israeli DJ, music, and lots of snacks. Students also enjoyed learning how to make their own Israeli-style hummus from scratch at the Hummus Making Workshop.

Israel Week concluded with an Israel-themed Shabbat dinner, where students reflected on these meaningful events, shared stories, and celebrated Israel’s resilience through community and tradition.

Rutgers University, New Brunswick (Rutgers Hillel)
While it may have the same name as UM’s celebration, Rutgers Hillel took Israel Week in a different direction, while also hosting a wide variety of impactful events. The week began with Israel Week-themed tables outside the student center, featuring educational opportunities and plenty of fun giveaways. The next day, Jewish students hosted a pop-up shuk on campus where students could shop for Israel-themed clothes, accessories, and other goodies.

Rutgers Hillel also held an Israel Week art exhibit inside their building, featuring artwork that showcased students’ personal connections to Israel. Later in the week, students gathered together for a Yom Ha’atzmaut barbecue to celebrate Israel’s independence in community with one another, a theme that carried over to their Israel-themed Shabbat, which closed out the week.

Binghamton University (Hillel at Binghamton)
At Hillel at Binghamton, students participated in an annual Yom Ha’atzmaut Carnival, which highlights and supports a different philanthropic effort in Israel each year. This year, the charity selected was Larger than Life, an organization that supports Israeli families affected by pediatric cancer. 

 The Pipe Dream, Binghamton University’s student paper, reported that Hillel partnered with several organizations to host the carnival, including the Campus Bible Fellowship and Alpha Epsilon Pi. Activities included pin the tail on the camel, Israeli flag making, and a photo booth with backdrops of famous sites in Israel. As Ellie Spivak, vice president for programming at Hillel and a third-year student said, “Israel is a diverse country with so many different types of people, different perspectives, and although Israel serves as a safe haven for the Jewish people, I believe everyone can connect to its rich culture, history, and beautiful land.”

We love seeing everything Jewish students did to celebrate Israel and its 77 years of resilience and rich culture. Curious what celebrations looked like on other campuses? Check out more on Hillel International’s Instagram.

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News

How Hillels Celebrated Passover

Author

Hannah Smuckler

Date

April 23, 2025

Over the last few weeks, Hillels around the country have organized all kinds of creative and innovative events to connect Jewish college and university students with the ancient traditions of Passover. From hosting over 25 simultaneous seders in the same building to setting up October 7 memorials, campuses across North American found unique ways to celebrate the holiday.

At Hillel at Dartmouth College, students stepped up to cook all of the seder food for over 400 of their peers. The team hand-rolled over a thousand matzah balls for their biggest seder yet! Fourth-year student Lauren Azrin felt extremely connected to the Hillel seder this year. “The experience felt very reminiscent of doing a seder with family, and it was sentimental to be doing it for my last time at Dartmouth,” Lauren said.

A little farther south on the East Coast, Grinspoon Hillel at Cornell University hosted their annual F. Warren and Pamela Ellish Cornell Hillel Super Seder on the first night of Passover, which included over 25 unique seder experiences happening simultaneously. Each seder was hosted by students and planned around a different theme, including musical, traditional, social justice-focused, Sephardi, Israeli, and multifaith! More than 300 students were able to choose the seder that was the best fit for them, and the space was full of celebration. “As a first-year student, it was incredibly meaningful to lead a table full of fellow freshmen—it made me feel empowered and connected in a way I never expected,” said student Ann G.

Out West, Hillel at ASU (Arizona State University) celebrated the first night of Passover with their “Saturday Night Seder,” a twist on “Saturday Night Live.” The seder, planned with the theme of “from our family table to yours,” was led by Associate Director Taylor Silverman and her husband, and each member of the Hillel team shared their favorite rituals with students as the seder progressed. One of the most special moments of the night was when Vita, an ASU Hillel staff member, created a memorial table for those killed on and since 10/7, and in honor of the hostages still in Gaza.

Similarly, University of Florida Hillel’s Passover celebration greeted students with a memorial that served as a reminder of the 59 hostages still held in Gaza. Students wrote reflection notes which were displayed as part of the memorial. In an interview with WUFT, student Jacob Tastensen reacted to the event, saying,  “The story of escaping Egypt is still relevant because there are still Jews that aren’t free [today].”

At Ohio State University, Hillel focused on welcoming students of all backgrounds to their seders, including a multifaith seder. “Interfaith relationships are more important now than ever and we are committed to finding ways to break bread and engage in dialogue with other communities,” said Naomi Lamb, OSU Hillel CEO, in an interview with the Columbus Jewish News. OSU Hillel also invited community members to join their student seder, sending everyone off with “seders-to-go,” which help Jewish students host individual seders later in the holiday. 

Across the country, Jewish students experienced one-of-a-kind seders with their Hillel communities, ate tons of matzah ball soup, and recounted the story of our liberation. Visit @hillelintl on Instagram to see even more Passover celebrations from Hillels around the world.  

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News

What Are the Spring “Yamim”?

Author

Stephanie Goldfarb and Liora Knizhnik

Date

April 23, 2025

The Hebrew word yamim (ימים) is the plural form of the word yom or “day,” and can refer to a time, a specific age, or a season. In Israel and in the Jewish diaspora, when folks talk about “the spring yamim,” they are generally referring to three national holidays on the Israeli calendar: Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Yom HaZikaron (Israeli Memorial Day), and Yom HaAtzmaut (Israeli Independence Day). All three of these yamim, or days, fall sequentially in the late spring, and although distinct, they are grouped together on some level in the consciousness of Jews all around the world. This year’s yamim will again be characterized by another level of sadness, as we continue to mourn almost 1,200 Israelis massacred during the October 7 Hamas attacks. Each day will retain its own customary mood and associated rituals, which will undoubtedly resonate in new and painful ways for each individual, family, friend group, and community. 

Yom HaShoah: 

• The details: The full name of the day commemorating the victims of the Holocaust is “Yom Hashoah Ve-Hagevurah“– literally the “Day of (Remembrance of) the Holocaust and the Heroism.” It is marked on the 27th day in the Hebrew month of Nisan — a week after the seventh day of Passover, and a week before Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day for Israel’s fallen soldiers). This year, Yom HaShoah will be observed from the evening of April 23 to the evening of April 24. 
• Yom HaShoah themes: The overwhelming theme that runs through all Yom HaShoah observances is the importance of remembering — recalling the names and memories of the victims of this catastrophe, and ensuring that such a tragedy never happens again. The Shoah (Holocaust) posed an enormous challenge to Judaism and raised many questions: Can one be a believing Jew after the Holocaust?  Where was God? How can one have faith in humanity? 
• Yom HaShoah observances: Yom HaShoah has been marked in Israel by the sound of two sirens since the early 1960s; one at sundown as the holiday begins, and once again at 11 a.m. the following morning.  The sirens stop traffic and pedestrians for two minutes of silent reflection. All radio and television programs exclusively offer Holocaust-related content, and theaters, cinemas, pubs, and other public venues are closed throughout Israel in solidarity with the tone of this day. 

Many Jews in North America observe Yom Hashoah within synagogues, Jewish Community Centers, and in other spaces as well. Commemorations include prayer services, communal vigils and educational programs. Many Yom Hashoah programs feature a talk by a Holocaust survivor or the descendant of a Holocaust survivor, recitation of solemn songs and readings, or viewing Holocaust-themed films. Some folks light a yahrzeit (memorial) candle on this day as a physical embodiment of grief and memory.

Yom HaZikaron:

• The details: The fourth day of the Hebrew month of Iyar, the day preceding Israel’s Independence Day, was declared by the Israeli Knesset (parliament) to be a national Memorial Day. This year, Yom HaZikaron will be observed beginning the evening of April 29 to the evening of April 30.
• Yom HaZikaron themes: Originally, this day was set aside to mourn those who lost their lives in the struggle that led to the establishment of the State of Israel and for all military personnel who lost their lives in active duty in Israel’s armed forces. Today, Yom HaZikaron also encompasses mourning for people who have lost their lives in terror attacks. For many Israelis, Yom HaZikaron is not an abstract memorial; they are remembering friends and family members who fell in defense of the State of Israel.  This year, the ongoing devastation of the October 7th attacks on Israel will cast a particularly dark shadow on mourners all across the country, and in the Jewish diaspora as well.
• Yom HaZikaron observances: Yom Hazikaron, the Israeli Memorial Day, is different in its tone and mood from the American Memorial Day. For 24 hours (from sunset to sunset) all places of public entertainment (theaters, cinemas, nightclubs, pubs, etc.) are closed. A siren is blasted twice, during which the entire nation observes a two-minutes “standstill” of all traffic and daily activities. The first siren marks the beginning of Memorial Day at 8 p.m., and the second is at 11 a.m., before public recitation of prayers in the military cemeteries and ceremonies are held in schools and communities. All radio and television stations broadcast programs portraying the lives and heroic deeds of fallen soldiers. Most of the broadcasting time is devoted to Israeli songs that convey the mournful mood of the day.  Many Israelis wear a Yizkor (remembrance) sticker as a way of outwardly reflecting their grief.

Yom HaAtzmaut

• The details: Israel’s Independence Day is celebrated on the fifth day of the Hebrew month of Iyar, which is the Hebrew date of the formal establishment of the State of Israel. (The original date corresponded to May 14, 1948.) This year, Yom HaAtzmaut will be celebrated from the evening of April 30 through the evening of May 1.
• Yom HaAtzmaut themes: Yom HaAtzmaut is both a celebration of Israel’s independence and a joyous opportunity to revel in the country’s achievements in all spheres of life. It’s a time of emotional release after Yom HaZikaron, the previous day of mourning, and an opportunity for friends and family to be together in a joyous embrace of life.
• Yom HaAtzmaut observances: In Israel, Yom HaAtzmaut is a national holiday, so everyone has the day off of work. In the Jewish diaspora, many Jewish communities default to celebrating Yom HaAtzmaut on the following Sunday in order to accommodate the majority of people who do not have the official holiday off from work. Israelis celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut in a variety of ways. Local governments produce public shows and events attracting large crowds. Some spend the evening dancing Israeli folk dances or singing Israeli songs. During the daytime, many people go out on hikes and picnics. Army camps are open for civilians to visit and learn about recent technological achievements of the Israeli Defense Forces. Yom Ha’atzmaut is concluded with the ceremony of granting the “Israel Prize,” recognizing individual Israelis for their unique contribution to the country’s culture, science, arts, and the humanities.

The “Switch”: The “switch” refers to the stark energetic shift between Yom HaZikaron, a solemn day or mourning, and Yom HaAtzmaut, a joyous day of celebration. Joining these two days together conveys a simple message: Israelis owe the independence and the very existence of the Jewish state to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for it. The official “switch” from Yom Hazikaron to Yom Ha’atzmaut takes place a few minutes after sundown, with a ceremony on Mount Herzl, the site of Israel’s national cemetery, in Jerusalem. The Israeli flag is raised from half staff (due to Memorial Day) to the top of the pole, indicating the succession of Yom HaZikaron to Yom HaAtzmaut, and 12 torches are lit to symbolize the 12 tribes of Israel. For many, the “switch” embodies the dichotomy of the national Israeli spirit, finding ways of embracing and celebrating life even amid tragedy and loss. 

In the global Hillel community, the sentiment of “the switch” is particularly resonant this year. College students continue to grieve the immense loss of Israeli life that occurred on October 7, pray for the return of hostages currently being held in Gaza, and face rising antisemitism on and off their campuses. Throughout all of these challenges, students continue to show up and bring their fullest selves to Hillel, seeking strength, wisdom, connection, ritual, and belonging with both fellow students and Hillel staff. This manifestation of strength and vulnerability is at the heart of each yamim day, and is unique in this particular moment in Jewish experience.

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News

WTSeder?! Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Passover: Part One

Author

Stephanie Goldfarb

Date

April 8, 2025

First things first: What even IS a Seder?

Every year, Jewish people tell and retell the miraculous story of the enslaved Israelites’ exodus from Egypt during a festive meal called a Seder (Say-der). In Hebrew, the word Seder means order. A Seder is a structured, home-based ritual that combines a series of choreographed rituals with education, food, singing and storytelling, all in a particular order of stage directions. Intentionally designed to engage people of all ages, Seders are held on the first and second night of Passover (this year on April 12 and 13!). 

With delicious food and drink, a good story, and deep conversation, it’s no wonder Passover is the most widely celebrated Jewish holiday in the world! Read on to learn more about the ritual, what you may want to put on the table – and a cheat sheet with directions on organizing your Passover Seder!

WTHaggadah?!

Over time, the Passover ritual was expanded and eventually written down in what we call the haggadah (hah-gah-dah), the book of Passover Seder choreography we still use today! The Hebrew word haggadah means “the telling,” which is an appropriate name for a script that tells the Passover story. 

While virtually every haggadah follows the same order, there are many ways to tell the same story and just as many points of view. That is why there are literally hundreds of different hagaddot (plural form of haggadah). It can be overwhelming, but it also means you can find a version that suits you.

Some holy bites:

The Seder plate is a visual representation of the Israelites’ enslavement and liberation from Egypt. It has special spaces to hold symbolic foods that each tell different parts of the Passover story.

Maror (bitter herbs): Representing the bitterness of slavery, Maror is an uncomfortably bitter and sometimes spicy herb or vegetable. Horseradish is commonly used, but fresh radishes, spicy peppers, and even wasabi can be used too.

Zaroa (shank bone): This is symbolic of the biblical spring sacrifice of a young lamb called Pesach (Pay-sakh). People substitute other bones (e.g. a chicken neck or a leg) and vegetarians use a red beet or a sweet potato.

Beitza (roasted egg): Another spring symbol, representing the renewal of life. It also marks the birth of Israelites as a free people. Roasting recalls the ancient sacrificial practices in Jerusalem.

Chazeret (bitter greens): Romaine lettuce, endives, or chicory are used as a second symbol of bitterness sometimes used when making a sandwich with matzo.

Charoset (mortar): This fruit and nut mix may taste sweet, but its name is derived from the Hebrew word for clay. Charoset represents the mortar used by pyramid-building enslaved Israelites.

Karpas (parsley): It can be any leafy green, but often is parsley. It is symbolic of the rebirth of spring and the flourishing of the Israelites  prior to their enslavement in Egypt. It is dipped into saltwater or vinegar to remember the freshness of freedom and the sting of tears from oppression.

Why is this plate different?

As we retell the Passover story, we are encouraged to interpret traditions and to find relevance in the time in which we live. One way of doing that is to connect contemporary events to the themes of Passover by placing new symbols on the Seder plate. Here are a few examples of contemporary symbolic foods you may see on seder plates – you are invited to take inspiration and add symbols with personal resonance for you as well! Note that many Jewish communities are finding ways to acknowledge both October 7 and the hostages still being held in captivity. For example, Rabbi Elie Kaunfer suggested placing less matzo at the table to signal the absence of the hostages. Other ideas included putting empty seats representing October 7 victims, hostages, and soldiers around the table, and even rethinking the haggadah text. 

An orange: One of the first historically-recorded Seder plate innovations, it has become a way to honor those who have been excluded from the Jewish community, especially women and LGBTQ people. This symbol has also evolved to be a symbol of including women in the rabbinate.

Ruth’s mix: Almonds, raisins and chocolate:  Honoring Ruth, who married and/or converted into the Jewish people, this mix acknowledges that the Jewish community is sweeter by the presence and celebration of all Jews, Jews by choice, interfaith families, and our cherished allies.

An olive:  The olive branch has been a symbol of peace since the time of Noah. Some people place an olive on the Seder plate in hopes of a time when Israelis and Palestinians live together in peace.

A tomato:  In solidarity with migrant farmworkers, some add a tomato to symbolize support for an end to modern-day slavery in our fields and a call for fair wages and safe working conditions.

An acorn:  Some Jews include an acorn as a way to uplift indigenous land acknowledgments at our seders. It is a reminder to understand the oppression that occurred in the locations where we live/work/learn, a call to repair, and a recognition that modern-day comforts sometimes lie on the foundations of historic suffering.

A lock and key:  Representing the brokenness of our justice system, the lock and key are a literal reminder of how racial bias and unfair practices in our legal system have resulted in mass incarceration. 

Aside from the Seder plate, there are several more ritual objects on the festive Passover table:

Wine or juice: Four cups per person, to be exact. Each cup marks a different transition in the Seder.

Kiddush cup: Used to make blessings over the wine.

Nerot/candles: We sanctify the holiday by lighting festival candles and saying a special blessing.

Afikomen/hidden dessert: The middle matzo is split in two and the larger half is hidden. At the end of the meal, children (of all ages) are invited to search for it and retrieve it for a prize. Traditionally the Seder cannot resume until the Afikomen is returned and eaten – all before midnight!

Seder plate: Contains all the ritual foods used throughout the Seder

Elijah’s (empty) chair and cup of wine or juice: The prophet Elijah is attributed to bringing about the World to Come, a time of redemption and liberation for all. This spirit of hope is invited to join the Seder as we open the door to figuratively “welcome” Elijah. Elijah also gets his very own cup of wine or juice, creatively called “Elijah’s cup.”

Matzo/unleavened bread: Often the star of the evening, matzo has its own special plate or tray where three pieces of matzo are stacked. The middle matzo is broken and the larger piece (the afikomen) gets hidden somewhere in the house to be found later. Matzo is a symbol of both oppression (the bread of the poor) and liberation (the bread the Israelites ate as they escaped from Egypt to freedom).

Miriam’s cup: Miriam, the prophetess, is associated with water because she watched over her baby brother, Moses, as he floated down the Nile, led the women during the parting of the sea, and according to Jewish legend, she became the bearer of a well that nourished and healed the Israelites on their wilderness journey. It has become a modern ritual to place a cup of water on the Seder table in her honor.

Your Seder cheat sheet: All the Passover choreography and stage directions in one place!

1. Kadesh: We begin with a blessing over a cup of wine (or grape juice) to sanctify the holy day! Pace yourself, there will be a total of 4! L’chaim
2. Ur’chatz: A ritual hand-washing without the blessing. Sometimes the leader does this symbolically for everyone. It feels good to start the seder fresh.
3. Karpas: In honor of springtime and the freshness of freedom, we take a green vegetable or herb (commonly parsley), offer a blessing, and eat. Remember, friends do not let friends speak with greens caught in their teeth!
4. Yachatz: Called “The Bread of Affliction,” we hold up the three matzot for this part of the ritual. The leader breaks the middle matzo and places the larger half aside for the afikomen, the piece of matzo that is hidden and eaten as “dessert.”
5. Maggid: This section means “the telling” and is the main event! We begin to tell the story of the Exodus, learn about the rituals of Passover, and have conversations at the table. It is a time for questions, including the famed Four Questions, sometimes sung by the youngest person at the table. Alongside the traditional components, this is often where people bring creativity by acting out plays or trying some communal storytelling. Some even use props to help bring the teachings to life and make the Seder memorable. The second cup of wine is also blessed during this section.
6. Rachtzah: This is a second hand washing, with a blessing, before the ritual eating of the matzo.
7. Motzi and matzo: If one blessing is good, two is better. We bless and eat the matzo, first with the blessing for all types of bread and then a special blessing just for matzo.
8. Maror: The bitter herbs remind us of the suffering of the Israelites’ enslavement. We say a blessing as we eat it, some choose to dip the bitter herbs in the sweet tasting charoset.
9. Shulchan orech: Dinner time!
10. Korech (Hillel’s sandwich. Shoutout to Hillel, the ancient sage our entire movement is named after!): One of the many things Hillel was known for was taking what he thought were the three most important symbols, the lamb, the bitter herbs, and the matzo, and combining them into a Pesach sandwich! With no lamb, we add the bitter herbs (some use the green bitter herb, Hazeret), haroset and matzo. Consider it the first appetizer!
11. Tzafun: The Afikomen (which reappears from Yachatz) must be eaten for the Seder to continue. With no sacrifices, ritually eating it represents the Pesach sacrifice. Often hidden, children (of all ages) search it out and receive a prize for its return. A small piece is eaten and the seder continues. The Seder is almost over.
12. Barech: We offer a blessing for the festival meal and drink a third cup of wine. Open the door for the prophet Elijah and welcome in the spirit of Miriam.
13. Hallel: This section includes many traditional psalms that are sung, and some contemporary Jews add and/or exchange modern songs about freedom and liberation (Bob Marley anyone?). The last cup of wine is also blessed during this section.
14. Nirtzah: Hopefully when you reach this point, you will have enjoyed good friends, good conversation, and good food! We typically conclude with the words, ”L’shana haba’a b’Y’rushalayim!” meaning “Next year in Jerusalem!”

In part two of this series, we’ll explore the origins of Passover!

The post WTSeder?! Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Passover: Part One appeared first on Hillel International.

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WTSeder?! Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Passover: Part Two

Author

Stephanie Goldfarb

Date

April 8, 2025

As Jewish people around the world observe Passover this month, we’re diving into the origins of the holiday. In the first part of this series, we learned about how to host a Seder – now we’re exploring where Passover comes from, and who decided it was a thing? 

The way we observe Passover today has changed and evolved significantly since Biblical times when the holy day was first mentioned. Check out this timeline to learn more!

Sometime between 1300-1200 BCE: On the first full moon of the first month of spring (the 15th of the Hebrew month of Nisan), Jews from all over gathered at the Great Temple in Jerusalem where they made animal sacrifices, and noshed on lamb and unleavened bread (matzo) for one week. This pilgrimage ritual was rooted in ancient Israelite agrarian springtime rituals involving moving flocks of lambs to greener pastures, and praying for the return of post-winter harvest bounties. The biblical story of the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt resonated strongly with Jewish people of this time, especially after the Babylonians invaded Jerusalem and destroyed the Great Temple. As a story about overcoming oppression and liberation, this hopeful message hit home for the Jewish people who suddenly lost their spiritual home. As a result, the Exodus story became intrinsically associated with existing springtime rituals of sacrificing lambs and eating unleavened bread.

700-586  BCE: The Jews returned to Jerusalem and rededicated the Great Temple. There, they reestablished Passover as newly liberated people. The priests of this time made some changes to the Passover ritual too. Each head of the household was charged with making the Pesach lamb offering at home. In addition to the feast, they added songs of praise and joy, and paired wine with the celebration. Permission was granted to observe Passover anywhere in Jerusalem, not just in the Temple.

516 BCE: The Jews were once again exiled from Jerusalem and the Second Temple was destroyed under an oppressive rule. Passover, as it had been celebrated, was never observed the same way again. In response to the destruction, a group of innovative rabbis created a new approach to Judaism that didn’t center around the Great Temple. Many of their adaptations radically changed Judaism, and became the foundation for the way it is still observed today. The rabbis discussed how to observe Passover, in what order, and found creative ways of translating all the springtime rituals that used to occur in the Great Temple into people’s homes. This meant officially banning animal sacrifices, making Passover a home-based ritual, and positioning regular Jews (not rabbis or priests) as the leaders of the Seder.

70 CE: Isaac’s descendants (by then known as the Children of Israel) were enslaved in Egypt. God instructed Moses and Aaron to repeatedly ask Pharaoh to release the people of Israel; each time Pharaoh refused, another plague was brought upon the Egyptians. Finally, as God was about to bring the final plague — the death of the firstborn son — He instructed Moses to tell the people of Israel to prepare by slaughter a sheep and smear the blood on their doorposts, a sign to G‑d that this was an Israelite home, to be passed over. This is what gave the Passover sacrifice (and holiday) its name. In the original Hebrew, the word is Pesach (first mentioned in Exodus 11). God instructed to Moses that, “This day shall be to you one of remembrance: you shall celebrate it as a festival to יהוה throughout the ages; you shall celebrate it as an institution for all time” (Exodus 14).

Passover today: Today, Passover is statistically the most widely-observed Jewish holiday in the world. The Seder meal that typically takes place in the home has not changed much over the last dozen centuries! However, many people have been inspired to create updated versions of the traditional haggadah in accordance with personal values associated with Passover themes of justice, liberation, freedom, and redemption. 

Like always, Passover is an opportunity for families and friends to join together to celebrate and acknowledge the liberation and freedom of the Jewish people. Some members of the Jewish community (usually Reform and Reconstructionist Jews, and Jews in Israel) celebrate the holiday for seven days, and others (usually Conservative and Orthodox Jews) for eight days. 

Today, many people ritually deep clean their homes, cars, and offices in preparation for Passover. Some view Passover as an invitation to do “spiritual spring cleaning” designed to help us release what hasn’t served us over the last year, and to make room for new blessings.

As with every year, Passover includes two powerful rituals of grief: dipping a leafy green into salt water and removing ten drops of wine from our cups. With salt water, we stop to imagine the tears of our enslaved ancestors. With red drops of wine, we stop to have empathy for the sufferings of our enemies. This Passover, we gather in the wake of the October 7 attacks, remembering the victims and the hostages still being held in captivity in Gaza. May we be granted the opportunity to hold the teachings of Passover and the dissonances of the present moment in ways that help us become people of greater heart and hope, seeking liberation and safety for all.

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How Hillels Partied for Purim This Year

Author

Hillel International

Date

March 19, 2025

One of the most joyous holidays on the Jewish calendar, Purim is a time to celebrate through traditions like dressing in costumes, reading the Megillah, eating and drinking tasty treats, and donating to charity. While there are four required mitzvot for celebrating Purim —  the reading of the Megillah, the festive Purim meal, sending gifts to friends and neighbors, and giving to those in need — there are plenty of other ways to add joy to the holiday. Here are just a few of the ways Hillels celebrated Purim this year:

Murder Mystery and Mocktails – Hillel at University of Hartford (Hartford Hillel)
At Hartford Hillel, students arrived at the Zachs Hillel House to find it turned into a 1920s-style site of a “murder most foul.” Instead of the traditional costumes and story of King Ahasuerus and Queen Esther, students encountered five suspects as they attempted to solve the murder of an emerging fictional novelist, Ritta Bookes. After spotting clues and voting for suspects, a student detective exposed the killer, and students who guessed correctly were entered into a raffle to win 1920s-themed mishloach manot bags.

As they solved clues, students sipped on mocktails like pina coladas and cosmos while wearing costumes of their own because, after all, what’s Purim without dressing up?

Purim Drag Show and Carnival – Penn State Hillel
On the topic of dressing up, Penn State Hillel continued its tradition of hosting a Purim Drag Show, which took place before the holiday on Wednesday, March 5. A student drag troupe, the State Queens, performed for students and audience members, showcasing their musical talents as well as Purim’s themes of revealing one’s true nature and celebrating one’s inner truths — both of which are particularly meaningful themes to the LGBTQ+ community.

“This event is about joy,” Marcus Family Executive Director Aaron Kaufman told the Daily Collegian, Penn State’s student newspaper, adding, “Purim is a day where we are commanded to celebrate, and what better way to do that than with a drag show, great food and a party?”

Baking a Difference – Clark University Hillel
Students at Clark University Hillel embraced the tradition of giving gifts of food, or mishloach manot, by baking hamantaschen for Jewish soldiers serving in the United States military in partnership with the Jewish Soldiers Project of Rochester, NY. Gathered in the kitchen of the Torah Center in central Massachusetts, Jewish students sang and danced to Israeli music while rolling out dough and baking the cookies to include in care packages. After baking, students also enjoyed a Purim feast with a multicourse dinner prepared by Israeli chef Sylvia Avinoam.

Jewish Unity Purim – Hillel at UCLA
Hillel at UCLA’s Executive Director Dan Gold organized a meeting with UCLA Jewish community leaders, including representatives from groups like JLIC, Chabad, Olami, and Hillel, to discuss the importance of strengthening Jewish life on campus. Following the meeting, the organizations agreed to host a slate of Purim programming to promote Jewish togetherness and pluralism. In addition to distributing mishloach manot for students to gift to their peers, the five organizations also gathered donations for Tomchei Shabbas, a local organization that provides kosher meals to families in need. Hillel at UCLA also hosted a Purim Prep lunch to teach about the mitzvot of Purim, a Megillah service followed by a festive meal, a special womens’ Megillah reading, and a Purim Shabbat with costumes encouraged.

“I was pleasantly surprised by the incredible attendance,” shared a UCLA Hillel staff member. “This event was actually perfectly timed, as the Purim celebration filled the students’ cups in advance of a very depleting week of finals ahead. It was clear they really needed this!”

Sparky’s Purim Party – Hillel at Arizona State University
Following the success of their Hanukkah party last year, Hillel at Arizona State University (Hillel at ASU) decided to revamp their Purim celebration. Organized by their signature social chairs, Hillel at ASU rented a venue in Old Town Scottsdale for a Purim bash, featuring entertainment by the club’s house DJ, Purim-inspired cocktails and mocktails (Esther’s Essence was a hit), and various other activities like mask making and a candy station. In the spirit of the charitable tradition of Purim, organizers also invited the Gift of Life Marrow Registry, a network of bone marrow donors who provide transplants for patients with blood cancers and immune system disorders.

Social Chair Danielle Katz said, “As one of the signature social chairs, I love being able to create fun and meaningful events for my fellow students. It’s so motivating to see the smiles we put on so many faces when we put together events like this one.”

While celebrations vary from Hillel to Hillel, one thing remains the same: No matter what, Hillels will always help their students to embrace and celebrate their Jewish joy – with or without cookies (but mostly with).

The post How Hillels Partied for Purim This Year appeared first on Hillel International.

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What Even IS Purim? Part One: The Story Behind the Holiday

Author

Stephanie Goldfarb

Date

March 12, 2025

Welcome to part one of our two-part series, “What Even Is Purim?” where we explore the history and traditions behind the Jewish holiday of Purim. Interested in learning more? Check out part two.

This week, Jewish people around the world will celebrate Purim, a holiday commemorating the deliverance of the Jews of ancient Persia from persecution. In part one of this two-part series, Hillel International is exploring the story behind the holiday – and why we love it so much!

When does the story of Purim take place? Sometime between 539–330 BCE.

Where? Ancient Persia. More specifically, the city of Susa (also called Shushan in some Purim stories, which is modern southwest Iran). Pro tip: Purim is one of the only Jewish holidays commemorating events happening outside the Land of Israel!

The setting: What was it like being Jewish in this place and time? There were many thriving Jewish communities in Persia at this time and Jews enjoyed full citizenship. However, while Jews were legally allowed to lead Jewish lives, many Jews experienced oppression and persecution.

An extremely short version of the Purim story: A young Jewish woman named Esther rose to power by concealing her Jewish identity and marrying the Persian king. At the time, Jewish persecution was a major issue for Jews in Persia, and Esther never would have been able to assume this level of power if she was a Jew publicly. In fact, the king’s right-hand man, named Haman, was actively working on a plot behind his back to decimate Jewish communities. Esther’s uncle Mordecai overheard the details of this heinous plot and knew Esther was the only Jewish person in a position of power who could possibly intervene. Mordecai convinced Esther to risk her life by revealing her true identity to the king and revealing Haman’s evil plot. The king, who loved Esther, stopped Haman from pursuing his mission, and executed Haman in a public trial as a demonstration for his intolerance for Jew hatred. In the end, the Jewish community was saved and also afforded extra protection by royal decree.

Some cool aspects of Purim & why we love it so much:

• The themes of “concealing and revealing one’s true nature” are prevalent both in the Purim story, and in the traditional ways we celebrate it. For example, Esther conceals and then reveals her Jewish identity in order to save her people. Additionally, the character of God is “concealed” and God’s name is not mentioned once in the entire Book of Esther (although from a Jewish perspective, God is the one who is pulling the strings of redemption behind the scenes). For these reasons, Purim is an invitation to dress up in costume as a way to “come out” and reveal typically hidden or unseen aspects of ourselves. Additionally, the theme of “celebrating our inner truths” is one reason why Purim has become a particularly resonant holiday for folks in the LGBTQ community. 
• This story is one of the most beloved in the Jewish community because it positions Jews as powerful agents of their own destinies, rather than as victims of persecution. 
• The Purim story is one of only a handful of canonical Jewish stories that heavily feature the complex lives, perspectives, and actual voices of women.
• Purim is an opportunity to center feminism! Esther faces limitations based on her gender, and understands that women in her society are expected to be seen and used, but not heard. While she doesn’t challenge these social norms outright, she plays the long game and uses her wit and allure as a woman to her advantage. Ultimately, because she plays into the gender role assigned to her without overtly threatening the men in power, Esther is able to overcome social limitations and save the Jewish people. Today, she is considered a heroine worthy of celebration and admiration.  

In part two of this series, we’ll explore the various ways Purim is celebrated!

The post What Even IS Purim? Part One: The Story Behind the Holiday appeared first on Hillel International.

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What Even IS Purim? Part Two: How is Purim celebrated?

Author

Stephanie Goldfarb

Date

March 12, 2025

Welcome to part two of our two-part series, “What Even Is Purim?” where we explore the history and traditions behind the Jewish holiday of Purim. Missed the first part and want to learn more? Check out part one.

This week, Jewish people around the world will celebrate Purim, commemorating the deliverance of the Jews of ancient Persia from persecution. In the first part of this series, we learned about the story of the holiday and explained why we love it so much! This final story in the series explores the various ways people celebrate Purim – and may even give you some new ideas!

• Cooking and eating foods containing hidden fillings: Whether it’s Ashkenazi hamantaschen, Iraqi cheese sambusak, or Spanish Ojos de Haman, these treats emphasize the themes of “concealment” and “revelation” inherent to the Purim story.
• Dressing up: The Purim story reminds us of “hidden” miracles and “concealed” truths.  To celebrate those things, we hide ourselves by dressing up in costumes, appearing as something else, while our true selves remain hidden underneath the masquerade.
• Listening to the Purim story: The centerpiece of the communal Purim celebration is a reading of the Scroll of Esther, in Hebrew called the Megillah. This is a raucous affair, and attendees are invited to make noise every time Haman’s name is mentioned, so no one can hear it. 
• Giving gifts both to friends and to folks in need: The origin of this practice can be found in the Book of Esther 9:22. Jews are instructed to observe Purim “as days of feasting and merrymaking and as an occasion for sending gifts to one another and presents to the poor.” It’s common for people to send Purim packages of yummy food called mishloach manot to friends as a way to uplift the joy of the holiday. Some also have a custom of giving money directly to needy people they pass by on Purim, and/or making a focused effort to financially support organizations and causes they care most about.
• Enjoying a festive meal: The Purim feast is held in memory of the feast held by Esther  for King Achashverosh as a part of her plot to reveal Haman’s plan to annihilate the Jews. A lavish meal is the perfect way to commemorate Jewish resilience because it’s pleasurable and joyous. 
• For some, drinking alcohol: Some folks have a custom to drink until you don’t know (ad lo yada) the difference between barukh Mordecai v’arur Haman (blessed be Mordecai and cursed be Haman). This is not an invitation to drink uncontrollably, but rather, to become happily tipsy. Not only can alcohol add to frivolity, it highlights how alcohol contributed to Esther’s successful plan to expose Haman. If you are of legal drinking age but avoiding alcohol for any reason, it is against Jewish law to drink it on Purim (or on any other day for that matter). Maintaining healthy boundaries and prioritizing wellness is always prioritized over observing Jewish traditions or rituals, and as noted above, there are many other ways to celebrate Purim meaningfully without alcohol! 

The post What Even IS Purim? Part Two: How is Purim celebrated? appeared first on Hillel International.

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Jewish Sustainability in Action: Hillel on the Farm

Author

Hillel International

Date

February 11, 2025

Taking care of the land we live on is more than just a Jewish tradition — it’s part of Jewish law.

Campus Hillels across North America are finding ways to tie together their Jewish connection to the land with sustainability and environmental practices. Check out these stories from three Hillels partnering with local farms to make a difference.

University of Vermont Hillel: Hillel Fresh and Seeds for Students

UVM’s Hillel Fresh program started as a way to combat food insecurity among students, and expanded significantly during the pandemic to ensure that students could have access to Shabbat meals even without Hillel hosting. Each student who signs up for Hillel Fresh receives a bag with all the ingredients they need for Shabbat, along with a Jewish learning text and a list explaining where all the food came from.

In the last three years, Hillel Fresh expanded to include its own farming plot on the University’s research farm. During the summers, the farm is managed by Seeds to Students interns who care for the crops while engaging in weekly Jewish learning around agriculture, land ownership, and sustainability. This year, all the produce from the summer was used during the fall semester in Hillel Fresh bags. 

Sophie Warth, a fourth-year student at UVM majoring in Food and Culture, is the Director of Hillel Fresh and Seeds to Students. Under her leadership, the program has grown to include medical and graduate students in its distribution in addition to undergraduate students, making a more significant impact in combating student food insecurity. In reflecting on her experience with these two programs Sophie said, “The most meaningful parts of working with Hillel Fresh and Seeds to Students have been combining my connections to my Hillel community with the relationships I’ve built with the local farms involved in Hillel Fresh. Being on the farm, working with the land, and taking a product from seed to harvest have also been invaluable experiences” 

Berkeley Hillel: Jewish Responses to Climate Change

Chance Reiniesch has made expanding Jewish programs around sustainability and farming his mission at University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) Hillel. Growing up on a farm, Chance spent a lot of time gardening and growing, and he’s been working to bring more programming around Jewish social justice, climate justice, and sustainability to his college community. 

Berkeley’s Hillel had a number of small partnerships and programs, but Chance saw room for growth. As the Social Action Associate, Chance expanded a program with University of California Gill Tract Farm, a local university farm that teaches people about indigenous land practices and donates food back to the community. He also helped launch the L’Shomra: Jewish Responses to Climate Change fellowship, where students examine their relationship with the world and their responsibility to protect it — and learn from contemporary sources and Jewish ancestral wisdom. Ben Witeck, a third year student at UC Berkeley, said, “My Judaism has always pushed me to engage in pressing areas of social justice. Connecting ancient and modern land-based practices as integral parts of my Jewish identity has been both a meaningful and powerful experience.”

Students also have the opportunity to take bi-monthly trips to other local farms, and to participate in weekly actions with Urban Adamah, a Jewish community farm dedicated to combating food insecurity in its area. 

One of Chance’s favorite parts of Berkeley Hillel’s sustainability work is the pollinator garden. Students were inspired to build out the garden, working with Hillel staff to plant different species and organize gardening shifts to help it flourish. To Chance, the garden speaks to Berkeley Hillel’s holistic commitment to environmentalism, and allows them to actively show connections between gardening and Jewish learning and ritual. Figs from the garden’s fig tree are used for the annual Tu B’Shvat seder — a sweet way to renew the community’s connection to the earth as responsible caretakers.

Colorado State University Hillel: RAM Kibbutz

CSU Hillel has a unique claim to fame: they’re the first student-led organization to be certified by Adamah. Starting from a farm-to-table program focusing on sustainability in sourcing and preparing Shabbat meals, CSU Hillel decided to create their own campus “kibbutz,” including a vegetable garden and a chicken coop.

Adam Fox, CSU Hillel’s Director of Jewish Student Life, took the initiative to expand the kibbutz beyond a sustainability initiative and added a component of student empowerment and wellness. Noticing that students having a bad day or struggling with the stress of campus life often came to the kibbutz to watch the chickens, he applied for a mental health and wellness grant from Hillel International to add ducks to the kibbutz family, and later received another grant to train student interns to care for them. Student leaders take on the role of “Chicken Tenders,” who are in charge of the care of new ducks Nibbler and Glenda, along with the kibbutz’s existing chickens. 

Adam sees the kibbutz not just as a key part of the Hillel community, but as a way to bring in students who might not otherwise be engaged by giving them an opportunity to connect through sustainability. Since October 7, he’s seen an increased interest in the kibbutz as more students looked for ways to connect to their Jewish identity and spend time in a supportive Jewish space. RAM Kibbutz offers a place and a community for students to connect to and rely on one another — just like a real kibbutz.

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