Pre-Pesach Edition, April 2024
- Dave Shaw
- Apr 4, 2024
- 3 min read
Dear Friend,
As the second term draws to a close and we prepare for the final term on campus I wanted to share some highlights from our Purim celebrations on campus, an update on our Pesach preparations and heartfelt thanks for the support we have received from you all over this difficult period.
Our Purim celebrations were nothing short of spectacular and truly captured the essence of our students’ resilience and spirit. In Edinburgh, an impressive turnout of 95 students set sail on a boat, diving into the festivities with a megillah reading on the water followed by a Purim seuda. Meanwhile, in Nottingham over 70 students attended a packed Purim party, which started with two separate megillah readings, ensuring as many students as possible could participate in the mitzvah of Purim.
Despite term having already finished in Leeds, many students stayed on so they could celebrate Purim with their friends and Chaplains with a casino themed evening. In London over 250 students celebrated Purim at a jointly organised event which attracted students from the many London universities perfectly encapsulating the joy and unity of Purim. These events did more than just highlight our vibrant cultural fabric; they provided a platform for students from various campuses to come together, strengthening bonds, honouring our traditions, proudly participating in the mitzvah of Purim and creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.
Looking ahead, we're excited to announce that we will be holding Passover Sedarim on campuses across the UK. Pesach rarely coincides with term and as such University Jewish Chaplaincy is preparing for a significant demand for support over the holiday. Celebrating Pesach on campus during term time is a huge operational and financial undertaking and we are here for it! Ensuring that students can access kosher for Pesach food and a Seder as they begin the new term is a priority, and we're dedicated to making this Pesach accessible, meaningful, and welcoming for all. Whether a student has attended a Seder every year of their life or this will be a first, we invite all students to join us for a night of storytelling, tradition, and community. For more details please reach out to our Chaplains here.
Exam Clash Advocacy
On a more serious note, we've been hard at work addressing the issue of exam clashes with Pesach and Shavuot. So far, we've successfully navigated approximately 65 potential conflicts, ensuring that our students do not have to choose between academic responsibilities and their right to practice their faith. This effort is ongoing, and while we are having some difficult and drawn out discussions with some universities we remain committed to advocating for the religious needs of our student community.
Please reach out if you encounter or anticipate any clash - we're here to support you.
Lastly, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported us during our recent campaign. Your generosity, whether through time, donations or words of encouragement, has been incredibly impactful. It is your support that enables us to continue our work, celebrate our Jewish traditions and identities on campus, and provide for our student community in meaningful ways.
We are profoundly grateful for your continued support and involvement.
University Jewish Chaplaincy is here for all students, whether for celebration, support during exam times, or to provide a sense of community and belonging. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if there's any way we can assist you or if you'd like to be involved in our upcoming events.
Wishing you and your loved ones a Chag Kasher VeSameach,
Sophie Dunoff, Chief Executive Officer
