KU Hillel just finished its second (and hopefully last) pandemic Passover. Passover was celebrated by so many students through various KU Hillel programs over the holiday’s eight days.
Before the holiday even started, students got a taste of Passover from their parents, who ordered Passover care packages.
“These were created as a way for parents to send some love to their students while away at school. These care packages have quickly become a hit,” said Suzy Sostrin, KU Hillel executive director.
The stress balls were favorites across the board, and senior Miriam Adler called this box a “100 out of 10.”
Due to the pandemic, this year’s KU Hillel Passover Seder was held over Zoom, with meal pickups and delivery beforehand. The Seder is always free for all students, thanks to the generous support of the Kansas City Jewish community members like you and the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City.
“Attending the KU Hillel Passover Seder meant a lot to me because while I couldn’t be at home with my family, I could be with my Jewish friends from Hillel to observe this special holiday,” said junior Sam Haney.
With the signups, students received a complete Seder meal and matzah, including the fixings for a Seder plate of their own. The kosher-for-Passover meals included honey pecan salmon, herb-roasted chicken and vegetarian options, plus a matzo ball soup that students continue to rave about.
“It was so amazing to show up to the virtual Passover Seder to see so many KU Hillel students to celebrate with,” senior Ben Novorr.
Rabbi Neal Schuster led the Seder, which mixed tradition with technology-friendly updates to make it engaging: Schuster even hid the afikomen on his screen.
For Novorr, this Seder brought on a sense of nostalgia. “As a senior, it was especially meaningful to have my final Passover Seder at KU Hillel led by Rabbi Neal, who has been such an instrumental part of my time here,” he said.
KU Hillel also held a virtual matzah pizza party during the week. Participants picked up the ingredients ahead of time and made them together that evening.
KU Hillel ended Passover by bringing back chametz at Lawrence’s Papa Keno’s Pizzeria. The outdoor patio meant students were able to gather at a safe distance and end Passover with huge slices of pizza — all happy to bring back bread again.
“I had a good time at Papa Keno’s to bring back chametz at the end of Passover,” Haney said. “Coming to Hillel for food is always great, but getting to hang out with Jewish peers is a truly special part of my college experience and is something that I will always cherish.”
