Passover

Seders On Campus

On Wednesday, April 1 starting at 5:30 p.m., a First Night Seder will be sponsored by the Center for Religious and Spiritual life, and co-led by Rabbi Bruce Bromberg Seltzer along with Smith students at the Helen Hills Hills Chapel. This Seder is intended for people of all backgrounds and the most important thing is to bring curiosity and enthusiasm. Please reserve a spot and meal through the online reservation form. Gluten-free matzah will be provided. Guests of Smith students are welcome to attend, but must register individually using the online reservation form.

Second Seders (in Houses or Off-Campus)

Last year, students in a few houses organized their own seders. This year, CRSL is offering assistance in the form of supplies and training (in return for attendance numbers). Rabbi Bruce will offer a Seder-leading workshop on Wednesday, March 25 at 7 p.m. to help you plan and lead your Seder. It is open to all students who want to learn more about leading a Seder or just want to be better prepared.

If you would like information about a Second Seder on campus or in the local community, please email Rabbi Bruce by Sunday, March 29 at noon. Please make the subject ‘Second Seder’ and list any food allergies, whether you can walk, can drive, or need a ride, as well as include any other information that will be useful such as pet allergies. Letting us know earlier is more helpful.

Volunteering at the Seder

Seders are co-created by and for the entire community, at a time when we assert that we are free people. Therefore, it is important to find a role for each participant so that we co-create our liberation experience. Please sign up for a volunteer position or to bring your family customs or tunes.

Kosher for Passover Meals

Kosher for Passover meals will be available from our Kosher dining line located in Cutter/Ziskind. There will be meat meals and parve alternatives offered to all students who sign up. Meals will be served on disposable dishes, at hours posted on the Passover page.

Lunch and dinner will be provided to those who register in advance through the form. Passover food is ordered long in advance and it is not possible to increase food orders once the holiday begins. Please be mindful to attend any meal you reserve to reduce food waste and unnecessary labor. If you are unable to attend a meal that you had reserved, please contact Chef Hilary Mikucki atkosher@smith.edu or 413-585-2099.

The Kosher line in Cutter/Ziskind will serve lunch and dinner by reservation throughout the eight days of Passover (dinner on April 1 is served at the Seder; all other meals are at Cutter/Ziskind). Registration for meals can only be done online on the Dining website. Reservations must be made by Friday, March 27 by noon. Daily breakfast does not require reservations. The glass room on the Ziskind side will be reserved for communal dining during most Passover meals.

All college dining halls will have matzah and hard boiled eggs available during all meals, and gluten-free matzah will be available at the Kosher line. Kosher for Passover macaroons will be available at all teas.

Break-Fast from Chametz (bread products)

Break-fast, when people traditionally eat foods that were prohibited during Passover, will take place on Thursday, April 9 at 8 p.m. in the Helen Hills Hills Chapel. Please make a reservation for this meal.

Selling Chametz for Passover

Halacha (Jewish law) requires us to get rid of all of our chametz (leavened foods) before Passover. A tradition has developed to sell any chametz we can not dispose of to non-Jews for all of Passover. If you would like to appoint Rabbi Bruce to sell your chametz, please fill out the chametz selling form by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 30.

Please feel free to call or email if you have any questions regarding Passover.

Rick Rubin, Dining Manager: 413-585-2318
Rabbi Bruce Bromberg Seltzer
Hilary Mikucki, Kosher Chef: 413-585-2318