Jewish students will have plenty of options for Passover meals and free seders this year through the Lubavitch Chabad Jewish Center and UF Hillel.
Passover is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. This year, it will take place from sunset Friday to sunset on April 11.
During Passover, Jews refrain from eating “chametz,” which includes wheat, barley, oats, spelt and rye. Some Jews also refrain from eating “kitniyot,” which includes rice, corn, soy, millet, beans and peas.
Hillel will be hosting a Seder on Friday evening in addition to holding its weekly services.
Hillel is expecting a tremendous turnout even though many students may be going home, said Rabbi Adam Grossman, the CEO of UF Hillel. More than 150 people have signed up for the Seder, but many more are expected to attend.
“It will be about $25,000 to do everything we’re trying to do this Passover season,” Grossman said.
Chabad is also preparing for a higher Passover turnout and the price that comes with it.
Chabad needs to raise $60,000 for Passover, said Rabbi Berl Goldman, a director of Chabad. So far, the center has raised about $40,000.
There are currently 500 RSVPs for the Seder on Friday, but there will probably be more, Goldman said. Last year about 700 people came, many of whom made last minute reservations.
Goldman is preparing 2,000 Passover meals. For the first Seder alone, Goldman has ordered 250 pounds of brisket, he said.
Chabad is also offering Passover meals for lunch and dinner throughout the holiday for students and community members. Lunch is $8 for students and $12 for the community. Dinner is $10 for students and $15 for the community.
“We want them to concentrate on their studies, and we have everything ready for them,” Goldman said.
Goldman said he hopes all Jewish people who are not going home will attend either a Chabad or Hillel Seder.
“All Jews are family, all Jews are equal — labels are for suits,” Goldman said.
[A version of this story ran on page 4 on 4/2/2015 under the headline “Gainesville Jewish community prepares for Passover seders”]
David Portnow, a 22-year-old UF neuroscience senior, unloads boxes of supplies at the Jewish Center at 2021 NW Fifth Ave. in preparation for the Passover seder. He said some food and drinks have to be specially ordered due to dietary restrictions for Passover.
