Passover or Pesach in Hebrew, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the Biblical story of Exodus that begins at sundown on Monday, April 22, 2024. Jews around the world mark the start of Passover by attending structured meals called ‘Seders,’ (say-der) and many change their diet for the duration of the holiday to exclude food items that have leavened or fermented, in remembrance of the Israelites’ rushed exodus from Egypt. This food category, known as ‘hametz,‘ includes bread, pasta, oatmeal, most beer and liquor, and foods derived from wheat, barley, rye, oats and spelt. Passover is observed for 8 days by those living outside Israel, and only 7 days in Israel. You may wish someone a happy Passover by saying “Chag Pesach sameach,” which means ‘happy Passover.’ Scroll down to learn about UW-Madison academic policy, meal service, seders, and more campus and community resources.
From a colleague:
Passover is a time to gather with family and be in community. It’s based much more on seders and the home than on services at synagogue, which means that it can feel especially hard if you can’t go home to celebrate. A little effort can go a long way… having fruit or Kosher for Passover snacks at your event not only allows us to participate, but signals that you respect our traditions and want us to feel included.
Academic Policies
Existing policy and Academic Calendar guidance on Religious Observances note that:
- Instructors should not schedule exams and other mandatory academic requirements on days when religious observances may cause substantial student absences. A non-exhaustive list of cultural, religious, and ethnic holidays is provided by the Office of the Secretary of the Faculty. Additional observances may exist that are not included on this list.
- Students should notify the course instructor within the first two weeks of the semester/term of the specific dates conflicting with an exam or assignment.
- Per policy, any student with a conflict between an academic requirement and any religious observance must be given an alternative for meeting the academic requirement.
- Instructors received this memo at the start of the academic year regarding religious observances: https://secfac.wisc.edu/academic-calendar/#religious-observances.
Meal Service
University Housing Dining and Culinary Services provide the following options:
Microwavable Kosher for Passover meals hechshered by the Orthodox Union will be available for purchase or as part of a meal exchange at Flamingo Run convenience store locations (Four Lakes, Gordon Avenue Market, and Rheta’s Market). These meals will also be available upon request in any of the six dining markets using a meal swipe. Please locate a manager or chef for assistance.
Passover grab-and-go options from Adamah, the Kosher café at Hillel, will be available for purchase or as part of a meal exchange at Flamingo Run locations.
Adamah, located at 611 Langdon Street, serves Kosher for Passover lunch and dinner that is hechshered under rabbinic supervision for the duration of the holiday.
Seders
Seder, meaning ‘order,’ is the structured meal held at the beginning of Passover. Many Jews in diaspora attend Seders during the first and second nights of Passover, in which they retell the Biblical story of Exodus and eat symbolic foods, including matzah, in a particular order.
Hillel and Chabad host seders open to students, faculty, and staff. You can learn more on their websites and social media. RSVP to Hillel here and to Chabad here.
Highlighted Events
May is recognized as Jewish American Heritage Month in the state of Wisconsin.