Chabad to offer free seders amid recession

Eliza Adelson
News Editor

Published: Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Passover celebrations for Washington University students will not have to be hindered by this year’s economic slowdown, said Rabbi Hershey Novack of St. Louis Chabad.

Instead of charging students attending seder, Chabad will request only a donation of $25. Students, however, are encouraged to donate whatever amount they can spare.

“We recognize that there are some students who are suffering from the economic crunch. We are cognizant of that, and we are here for students. Instead of making a fixed price, we are making it better for all students,” Novack said.

Passover is a commemoration of the exodus of Israelites out of Egypt.

Chabad is expecting between 200 and 250 students this year, a moderate increase compared to previous years.

“It’s a bit of a culture shift and an experiment. I do hope the economy improves so all students can afford a seder next year,” Novack said. “The liturgy of the Haggadah says, ‘Let all those who are hungry come and eat, let all who need come and celebrate Passover.’ We take that very seriously and want to create substantive Jewish experiences that are also highly accessible.”

Chabad receives funds from multiple sources, according to Novack.

“We pull together, and we have to work extra hard with philanthropists, parents and alumni in the St. Louis community to assure that our services are open to all,” he said. “It’s not easy, but it’s our duty. It’s our mitzvah, [meaning commandment].”

Other religious organizations on campus still plan to charge students who attend their celebrations.

Michael Landy, executive director of the St. Louis Hillel, encouraged students to lead their own seders.

“We’ve seen more students wanting to develop their own. Everybody is financially conscious, and I think it’s impressive what Chabad is doing, but what we’re trying to do is help students be more self-sufficient in doing it,” Landy said. “I think they’ve realized in the long run it’s something they will be doing for themselves.”

Hillel is expecting approximately 100 students this year but estimates 500 students will hold their own seders. The organization has also helped place 60 students at seders in St. Louis area homes.

[for the rest of the article, click here.]