Student-Led Seders Highlight Vanderbilt Hillel’s Community-Driven Approach

Vanderbilt Hillel marked a vibrant and engaging celebration of Passover this year, hosting a wide array of programs and meals for students across campus. Over the first two nights of the holiday, Hillel hosted an impressive 14 Seders, welcoming more than 400 students to the table. Each Seder was student-led and thoughtfully developed, reflecting Hillel’s “micro-community” approach, an emphasis on creating meaningful experiences tailored to specific student groups and shared interests. 

Participating groups included Vanderbilt Off-Broadway (Vanderbilt University’s musical theater organization), the Ultimate Frisbee Club; Commodores 2 Israel (a Vanderbilt Hillel interfaith group preparing to travel to Israel this summer), several Greek organizations, and a cohort of students from Middle Tennessee State University. These diverse groups helped create unique and personalized Seder experiences across campus. 

Throughout the week of Passover, Vanderbilt Hillel also provided 14 kosher-for-Passover lunches and dinners, serving a total of 480 meals. Among the highlights was a “Matzah Pizza Drop” at Commons, the first-year residential area, which brought festive spirit and accessible holiday food directly to students. 

Hillel staff prepared a wide range of creative and traditional dishes, including shakshuka, schnitzel, roasted eggplant, smoothie bowls, and a baked potato bar. In addition, members of the broader Jewish community joined students throughout the week, fostering connection across generations. 

“Pesach at Hillel was so great!” said Lily Green, Class of 2027, vice president of Communications at Vanderbilt Hillel and president of Vanderbilt Off-Broadway. “I was able to lead a musical theater Seder for my organization. Hillel provided all the amazing food, Seder plates, and support while I created my own Haggadah. It was many people’s first experience with Passover, and it was so joyful and fun to be part of.”