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Multicultural Seder


Students took a stand on human rights and grooved to world music during the fourth-annual Multicultural Seder. Modeled after the Jewish seder—a ceremonial dinner during which Jews eat traditional foods and recall their forefathers' exodus from Egypt—the event provided an opportunity for Dickinsonians to share a meal and celebrate the many cultures represented on campus.

Approximately 75 students listened as their peers from Hillel, Spectrum, the African American Society and the Latin-American Club shared stories about the ways in which people around the world struggle to be free from oppression. “The ideas of oppression and redemption are ideas that all people can relate to. It brings the community together,” said Terri Soifer '12, who organized the event. “The seder provides students an event in which students recongize the similiarities between various cultural communities.”

A performance by David Chevan and the Afro-Semitic Experience Band underscored this theme. The group blends jazz, gospel, klezmer, nigunim, spirituals and swing to achieve a uniquely global sound.

The March 8 seder was sponsored by Hillel, the Milton B. Asbell Center for Jewish Life, the Student Senate, the Office of Diversity Initiatives, the Office of Religious Life and Community Service and the departments of Judaic studies and religion.


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  • Students shared a hearty meal that drew on many religious and cultural traditions. Above, a student's plate is filled with traditional Jewish-seder foods: eggs, parsley, meat (lamb or poultry can be used), horseradish root and heroset (applesauce with nuts, cinnamon, honey and wine). The meal also typically includes matzah bread and is paired with grape juice or wine.
    Food for Thought
  • A project of bassist David Chevan and pianist Warren Byrd, the Afro-Semitic Experience (pictured above) brings together the musical traditions of African and Jewish Americans with its unique blend of jazz, African and Middle-Eastern music.
    Afro-Semitic Experience
  • Good food and great conversation mark the fourth-annual Multicultural Seder.
    Sparkling Conversation
  • Corinthia Jacobs, president of the African American Society, speaks about the African-American experience.
    Corinthia Jacobs
  • Students peruse the Multicultural Seder program, which included a variety of cross-cultural prayers, songs and student meditations.
    Reflections on Culture
  • Representatives from student groups shared stories about historic and contemporary struggles faced by oppressed peoples.
    Meaningful Experiences
  • Ted Merwin, director of the Asbell Center for Jewish Life (far right), leads a traditional Jewish dance.
    Happy Feet
  • Students enjoy a global dining experience featuring dishes from around the world.
    Global Dining
Students shared a hearty meal that drew on many religious and cultural traditions. Above, a student's plate is filled with traditional Jewish-seder foods: eggs, parsley, meat (lamb or poultry can be used), horseradish root and heroset (applesauce with nuts, cinnamon, honey and wine). The meal also typically includes matzah bread and is paired with grape juice or wine. Prev ImageNext Image

Photos by A. Pierce Bounds '71
Story by MaryAlice Bitts