During Chol HaMoed of the Pesach holiday, the “Hillel” Jewish Student Cultural Center, together with the Shahar Solomonika Jewish Teen Club, held a special event – a Model Pesach Seder – which united different generations of the community around a shared tradition, history, and living experience of the celebration.
The event provided an opportunity not only to recreate all the key stages of the Seder but also to understand their meaning more deeply. Together, participants walked through the main parts of the festive meal: from lighting the candles and reading the Haggadah to the symbolic actions that recall the Exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt. Each stage was accompanied by explanations, discussions, and interactive elements that helped make the tradition more accessible and understandable.
A special atmosphere was created by the interaction between students and teenagers. This format allowed not only for the transmission of knowledge but also for building a living connection between generations. All participants interacted as equals, collectively immersing themselves in the tradition and creating a lively dialogue. The Seder was led by graduates of the “Pesach Seder University” at the “Hillel” Jewish Student Cultural Center, with active participation from the teenagers, adding even more sincerity, openness, and energy to the event.
One of the most anticipated moments was the interactive search for the afikoman. This part of the Seder traditionally generates particular interest, and this time it turned into a real quest, filled with excitement and joy.
“It was very important for us to create a space where tradition comes alive through interaction, where students and teenagers do not merely listen but become part of the process. The Model Seder is not only about knowledge but about a sense of unity, about an experience that stays with you,” shared Alona Kolpina, Director of the “Hillel” Jewish Student Cultural Center.
The Model Pesach Seder was not only a festive event but also an important educational experience. It helped participants feel the depth of tradition, reflect on the story of freedom, and reaffirm that the true strength of a community lies in unity and living dialogue between generations.
We wish to express sincere gratitude to the united and cohesive Dnipro Jewish Community and its Chief Rabbi, Shmuel Kaminezki – for their support, inspiration, and the opportunity to create such events together.
