Campus Update

Tu B’Shvat Seder

By Shira Zeliger
York University
KOACH Intern

On Thursday, Feb. 9, 2006, more than 35 students at York University in Toronto, participated in the second annual Tu B’Shvat Seder, sponsored and coordinated by Hillel, KOACH and Yavneh Olami (the Religious Zionist student group on campus).

The seder, which was held over lunchtime, brought together students from all three of these organizations for a meaningful Tu B’Shvat experience. The "Haggadah" which was used for this seder, was created by Shira Zeliger, KOACH Intern at York University and Yonah Krakowsky, Yavneh Olami co-director at York, and featured contemporary poems, Talmudic sources, blessings for the seven species of the Land of Israel and some jokes as well.

The goal of this program was to celebrate the Jewish New Year for the Trees in a pluralistic atmosphere, where Jewish students of all backgrounds could feel comfortable. The seder also featured a discussion about Israel and the environment with Hillel of Greater Toronto's scholar-in-residence, Rabbi Shmuel Bowman from Efrat, Israel. Hillel, KOACH and Yavneh Olami look forward to next year's joint Tu B’Shvat Seder.

[Posted 2/23/06]