Hundreds Students and Family Gather at UF Chabad House for Seder

As one of the most widely celebrated Jewish holidays, the eight holy days of Passover are a time when all Jews, regardless of affiliation, religious background or level of observance, can commemorate the ancient Israelites, who were freed from slavery in Egypt after 400 years, while reflecting on themes of freedom, redemption and creation, singing songs, reciting prayers and eating symbolic foods.

Also known as a festival of freedom, the word Passover, known as “Pesach” in Hebrew to mean “pass over,” refers to the Jewish history of God “passing over” the houses of the Jews while slaying the firstborn of Egypt.

Some people celebrate the festival in the privacy of their own homes with their families. Some students spend it at their fraternity or sorority house.

On Monday night, hundreds of University of Florida students, parents of students from throughout the state and Alachua County residents gathered and feasted at the Lubavitch-Chabad Jewish Student and Community Center for one of the largest traditional public Passover Seders in North Central Florida.

“We’re very humbled and proud to be able to do this,” said Rabbi Berl Goldman, co-director of the center. “We want everyone to be able to celebrate Passover, no strings attached.”

With more than 350 in attendance, Monday’s 11th annual celebration also kicked off the start of a series of non-Gebrokt — made without grain — luncheons and dinners that are taking place at the Lubavitch-Chabad Jewish Center, at 2021 NW Fifth Ave., daily until April 26.

“They want a traditional family setting,” Goldman said. “People want to celebrate it together as a family, and we provide that setting for them.”

With the help of more than 70 sponsors from the county and throughout the state, Monday night’s meal and celebration consisted of ritual and symbolic foods and drinks, wine, prayer, speeches and songs until about midnight.