Why was the night of Wednesday, March 31, different than all others? Because, on that night, the Interfaith Seder became the most successful student-run event in recent Hebrew College history.

Fifty-eight people attended the seder, which was cosponsored by Hebrew College and Andover Newton Theological School (ANTS). Students from both colleges organized and facilitated all aspects of the evening—from promotion to music and theater. In honor of the event, they created a unique haggadah with excerpts from traditional, women's and other published haggadot.

The evening evoked the holiday's spirit of inclusion. Co-organizer Edie Howe, ANTS master's student, reflects: "As the story of the Exodus unfolded in Berenson Hall, I was moved to hear students from both schools acting out the ancient story. The words of the texts seemed to come alive! A passage from our haggadah summed up what I felt: 'Passover has a message for the conscience and the heart of all humankind.'"

Other seder highlights included the music of tambourines, a display of haggadot from Gann Library's collection and the re-enactment of the four children. For seder photos, see hebrewcollege.edu/seder2004.

Due to the success of this first seder, the event is certain to become an annual tradition. To get involved, please contact Michael Levinstein, mlevinstein@hebrewcollege.edu or 617-559-8624.

Photo by Michael Levinstein

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