Bar-Ilan University’s international students gathered on campus just before Passover (Pesach) in April to learn about the Jewish holiday and the traditional Passover Seder (meal). This event was part of the lecture series arranged by the International School for students to get to know more about life in Israel, Jewish and Israeli customs, holidays, and lifecycle events. About 30 students attended.
Rabbanit Devorah Evron, BIU’s campus spiritual leader, spoke about the origins of Passover and the Exodus from Egypt, and explained the commandments of the Haggadah (the book that is read during the Seder that takes participants through the story of Passover).
The students learned about the Seder plate, what goes onto it, and the symbolism behind each item. Rabbanit Evron turned the traditional Passover song, “Who Knows One,” into a game in which the students participated. Everyone had a wonderful evening experiencing a small taste of the Passover Seder.
Thanks to Hadar Giat, Coordinator of Student Affairs and Well-being at the International School, for organizing the event.
Personal Experiences
“The Passover Seder was a great experience of this iconic festival for me,” said Siddhesh Vivek Wagh, a postdoctoral researcher from India in the Department of Mathematics. “While I knew the basic story of Passover, the explanation of the various traditions observed during the festival by Rabbanit Devorah was very fascinating. It made me curious and want to know more about the various aspects of lives and culture of the people of Israel,” she said.
Lina Wang, an undergraduate student from China who is studying Jewish Art, was happy to participate in the Passover event and to get to know how the Jews escaped from slavery to freedom. “It was good to think about how things may be going well for you, but others are having bad experiences. Thank you for making time for us,” she said.
“The Passover Seder organized by the International School was an interesting event,” said Sukanta Nandi, a postdoctoral Engineering researcher from India. “Attending the event, I learned about what Passover is all about and how the idea still exists. The event was full of fun and learning, and we came to know more about the Jewish culture. I would like to thank the International School, specifically Hadar, for such an interesting event. Looking forward to more such events in the future.”
“I think the Seder in the International School was a fun, joyous, and meaningful experience,” said Mira Bok, an MA in Linguistics student from Korea. “I enjoyed the beautiful table of Passover festival food and the fascinating story about the history of the people of Israel, how they came out of Egypt and became free people. I appreciated the discussion time as we shared together how we have experienced freedom in our lives like the Israelites. It was a special moment to get closer to the nation of Israel and to other fellow students in Bar-Ilan by sharing the stories.”
Amreen Bano, an Indian student in the Department of Chemistry, spoke about his experience of the Passover Seder. “Coming from a different country and culture, my introduction to the Pesach Seder was a completely new experience. I thought that it would be just a verbal discussion about it, how it is celebrated, and its origin. However, for a surprise, it was a refreshing treat… to get to know what the Pesach Seder is and why it is celebrated. All the elements were explained practically. We had food, played games, and sang songs. I am thankful to everyone, especially Hadar Giat, for arranging such an event, which makes people like me feel more connected to Israel and its culture.”
