CCM, Hillel to host interfaith Passover Seder

by Stephanie Saltzberg / contributing writer

This year’s Passover will be celebrated by members of all faiths at JMU to bridge the gaps between religions.

Along with Catholic Campus Ministry, Hillel will sponsor an interfaith Passover Seder on Saturday to commemorate the liberation of the Jews from slavery in Egypt.

"It’s a holiday about freedom and being thankful for what we have," Sara Lewis, religious chair of Hillel, said.

CCM offered to host the event at their house and is honored to do so, said CCM intern Matt Morrell.

"CCM and Hillel have a strong relationship at JMU, and we want to support their work as much as possible, as their presence on capus certainly has an impact in the lives of students," Morrell said.

The Passover Seder is an interactive service, Lewis said.

"We are gearing it as more of a learning experience," she said.

The story of Passover is told during the Seder. Food is important; different foods represent different historical events. Unleavened bread, or Matzah, is served. This tradition honors the Jews that fled Egypt who did not have time to wait for their bread to rise, Lewis said.

This year’s Seder hopes to attract more people than before.

"We cant it to be a bigger event and make it as important as it should be," Lewis said.

Last year, Passover fell into the Catholic celebration of Holy Week.

"We were able to integrate the meal into our Holy Week activities," Morrell said. CCM has a history of supporting interfaith celebrations, hosting the Interfaith Thanksgiving Supper for several years.

Senior Jim Eustice supports the idea of interfaith activities.

"I don’t see how anything but good could come from an interfaith Passover Seder," he said.

Morrell said, "I hope that this continues to open up the dialogue among the religious traditions on campus. I hope, too, that it will open up the door to more interfaith events at JMU."

The Seder is open to anyone and costs $5 at the door. Reservations are recommended; space is limited. The Seder will commence April 2 at 6 p.m. at the CCM house located at 1052 S. Main St. Contact Lewis at lewissg for more information.