Chag Pesach Sameach!
Happy Passover!

Begins at sundown on April 12, and concludes at sundown on  April 20

Passover, celebrated by Jews, commemorates the liberation of the ancient Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as told in the book of Exodus and expanded over the generations. Under God’s protective care and Moses’s leadership, the Israelites went from the degradation of servitude to Pharaoh to the glory of service of God.  As the Exodus from Egypt is recalled each year, we celebrate our own quests for liberty, as individuals and as a people, and renew our commitment to work against oppression of any kind.

Passover is a holiday of contrasts. We eat Matzah, “the bread of affliction,” while reclining at the table like royalty. We taste horseradish, representing the bitterness of slavery and Haroset, a sweet mixture of apples and nuts representing the sweetness of liberty. We mix the two together symbolizing the paradox of true freedom gained only through struggle and challenge.

The Wesley Center wishes our Jewish friends a joyous and meaningful Passover.

2025 Passover Events (TBA)

Where To Get Food

Find Matzah, daily in these locations:

• Food Resource Center, 110 West Hall 

• Wesley Center Main Office, 318 Anderson Center

Food Resource Center (free groceries to all Hamline Community Members)

The Food Resource Center is a place where any Hamline Undergraduate/Graduate Student, Faculty, and Staff can get shelf stable food, fresh produce, and basic needs resources, regardless of financial status.

• There will be Matzah in the FRC for the week of Passover

• Spring In-Person Shopping Hours (110 West Hall): TBA

Meals for Purchase (students on meal plans can use meal swipes or DB)

Hot Meals in the Bistro

• There will be Matzah in the dining hall for the week of Passover

• There will be food appropriate for anyone celebrating Passover in the Bistro

Information & Resources About Passover

Important 2025 Dates:

• Evening of April 12 - Evening of April 20: Dietary restrictions observed: any food made with wheat, rye, barley, oats or spelt is prohibited, and replaced with Matzah (unleavened bread).

• Evening of April 12: Passover Seder marks the beginning of the holiday with a ceremonial meal. It is an important family/community gathering time.

• Sundown April 12 through sundown, April 14: Holy days to begin the holiday, during which observant Jews do not do work and have other restrictions regarding technology. 

  • Mornings of April 13 and 14: Festival morning worship service.

  • Evening of April 13: Second Seder celebration observed by some Jews.

• Sundown April 18 through sundown April 20: Holy days to end the holiday, during which observant Jews do not do work and have other restrictions regarding technology. 

  • Mornings of April 19 and 20: Festival worship services.

Important Practices:

• Dietary restrictions are observed April 12-20. Any food made with wheat, rye, barley, oats or spelt is prohibited, and replaced with Matzah (unleavened bread).

• On certain days (April 13-14 April 19-20) some practitioners may not work and may have other restrictions regarding technology.

• During this time, Jewish community members will be spending time with family and communities.

Informational Resources:

• Pluralism Project: "Passover"

• My Jewish Learning: Passover (Pesach) 101

Hamline University Worship, Prayer, & Sacred Event Spaces

To reserve time in the following spaces, please email Chaplain Kelly at chaplain@hamline.edu:

• The Gathering Place, 130 Sorin Hall

• The Wellspring, 3rd Floor of Anderson

If you would like additional guidance or information, please contact Rabbi Esther Adler eadler01@hamline.edu.