Passover - Over 50 MBA Participate in Seder
Ethan Frank '01
Issue date: 5/3/00 Section: Features
- Page 1 of 1
There's something to be said about a group of 50 MBA students listening attentively and actively participating in recounting the story of the Exodus without having eaten a crumb of food until almost 9pm. This month's 4th Annual Johnson School Passover Seder had it all-Moses, matzoh ball soup, gefilte fish, lots of kugel, and even some singing (sort of). For many, it was the first seder of their lives, while others were continuing a tradition that had begun long before having experienced their first buzz on Manishewitz wine at age nine. The event took place at the plush lakeside residence of Peter Bright, David Purcell, Jared Hobson and David Nientimp, which is perhaps one of the few available places outside of Sage with the size and suitability to hold such an event for free. During the Seder, all attendees had a turn to read a piece of the Haggadah, which is the story of how the Israelites gained their freedom from bondage and oppression in ancient Egypt. Some read beautifully in Hebrew. As the youngest at the table, Steve Kron gave an impressive Hebrew rendition of the four questions. Others read in English...beautifully. Those unable to relate to the events of biblical times instead imagined the weather in Ithaca, as well as some of their professors, as fitting substitutes for the ten plagues. Eventually, the meal was served, which consisted of a lot of tasty homemade food that people had brought to the Seder. Stacey Lalin and Daniela Peiser had prepared some excellent potato pancakes and kugel, as well as enough matzoh ball soup to feed the entire the Israeli army.
Housemaster Peter Bright hid the afikoman (matzoh) somewhere in the house, as is tradition at the Seder. Following the meal Lee Shufro offered a reward of one dollar for the person who would find the afikoman, which was quickly spotted by Geralyn Chin. Finally, the door was opened to allow the prophet Elijah to come in and drink a glass of wine and continue his Seder crawl. Apparently, the prophet was able to sneak in, promptly down the glass, and move on to binge at the next Jewish house, all while everyone's attention was directed at the opened door. (And you thought carrying presents in a sled from house-to-house was tough!) The event was enjoyed overall by both the Jews and non-Jews at the table.
The talk after dinner was about how this type of cultural-sharing event should be more common at the Johnson School. In an effort to celebrate our diversity, "we" challenge others to share their cultures, traditions and religions with the entire Johnson School Community.
Housemaster Peter Bright hid the afikoman (matzoh) somewhere in the house, as is tradition at the Seder. Following the meal Lee Shufro offered a reward of one dollar for the person who would find the afikoman, which was quickly spotted by Geralyn Chin. Finally, the door was opened to allow the prophet Elijah to come in and drink a glass of wine and continue his Seder crawl. Apparently, the prophet was able to sneak in, promptly down the glass, and move on to binge at the next Jewish house, all while everyone's attention was directed at the opened door. (And you thought carrying presents in a sled from house-to-house was tough!) The event was enjoyed overall by both the Jews and non-Jews at the table.
The talk after dinner was about how this type of cultural-sharing event should be more common at the Johnson School. In an effort to celebrate our diversity, "we" challenge others to share their cultures, traditions and religions with the entire Johnson School Community.