University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Ever since I was young, Passover has been my favorite Jewish holiday- having a huge feast, recalling Jewish history, and spending time with my family and community. When I started my college career last year at the University of Illinois, I worried that Passover would be uncomfortably different from what I knew.

I wouldn’t have my family’s Passover Haggadah, I wouldn’t be drinking bottles of sparkling grape juice with my cousins, and I wouldn’t feel that sense of home that made Passover so meaningful.

I was grateful to be proven very wrong, when I got involved in Illini Hillel and its Passover programming.

Since I became a student, Hillel has been a constant source of support and community, even more so when it came to my favorite Jewish holiday.

Last year, I joined Alpha Epsilon Phi, and we partnered with Hillel to host a chocolate seder at our House. We replaced each part of the seder plate with a chocolate equivalent, putting a fun–and delicious– twist on the traditional seder. I had never participated in a chocolate seder before, and in the midst of my homesickness, I got to experience a fun, engaging, and meaningful program with my sorority sisters.

AEPhi also partnered with Hillel and the other Jewish sorority, Sigma Delta Tau, to host a Women’s Seder. This event meant a lot, and provided Jewish women with community bonding. I am eager to participate again this year!

During the first and second nights of Passover, Hillel hosted several seders, aimed to appeal to different students and their preferences. On the second night, a few of my Jewish friends and I attended the Traditional Seder. Being able to experience Passover at Hillel with my friends at school ended up being a really meaningful experience for us, as I’m certain it was for the many other students Hillel reaches.

I currently serve as the President of AEPhi, and am eager to continue to partner with Hillel for Passover, and for other Jewish holidays this year and beyond. Thanks to Hillel, observing Passover on campus has evolved from something I dreaded, to something I look forward to with delight.

Ania Sacks is a sophomore at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign studying English and Secondary Education. She serves in several leadership roles, including as Alpha Epsilon Phi President and as an Engagement Intern at Illini Hillel.