More than 1,000 Jewish students, faculty, alumni and community members gathered April 1 at the University of Florida’s O’Connell Center for what organizers said was the largest single‑seated Passover Seder in the United States.
Hosted by the Chabad UF Jewish Student & Community Center, the event aimed to ensure that no Jewish student at UF observed Passover alone.
“This is more than a Seder — it’s a powerful statement of Jewish pride, unity, and resilience,” said Rabbi Berl Goldman, director of Chabad UF, in a press release before the event. “At a time when Jewish students are seeking connection and strength, we are creating a space where they can celebrate their identity together with joy and meaning.”
Doors opened shortly after 5 p.m., followed by a full traditional Seder that included hand‑made shmurah matzah, the four cups of wine, the retelling of the Exodus from Egypt and a kosher‑for‑Passover meal featuring brisket and other traditional foods.
University leadership, along with state and local elected officials and community dignitaries, attended the event to show support for UF’s Jewish student community.
