Campus & Community

Passover and Easter Services Available on Campus for Students

Monday, March 15, 2021, By News Staff

As Jewish and Christian students at Syracuse University and beyond prepare for Passover and Easter, there are numerous on-campus opportunities for worship and community being offered by chaplains and associated religious groups of Hendricks Chapel from March 27 to April 4.

All students are reminded to continue their adherence to all aspects of the Stay Safe Pledge, and especially to make plans to remain in—and not host visitors outside of—Central New York. Through a collective commitment to practice sacred traditions in manners that are both safe and meaningful, together the campus community can contribute toward a safe and worthwhile learning environment for all at Syracuse University.

The following are some of the opportunities being offered. All times listed are ET.

Baptist Campus Ministry:

The Baptist Chaplaincy will offer an Easter worship service during its regularly scheduled time on Sunday, April 4, at 11 a.m. in the main chapel of Hendricks Chapel. This service, as is the case each Sunday during the academic year, is also available virtually on Zoom.

For additional information, please contact Rev. Devon Bartholomew at dtbartho@syr.edu or 716.983.7786.

Chabad House at Syracuse University:

Chabad will offer Passover Seders with Rabbi Yaakov Rapoport, complete with traditional handmade shmurah matzah and home-cooked Passover dinners. The Seders will be at Chabad House (825 Ostrom Ave.) on March 27 and 28. Due to limited seating capacity, those interested should make plans to reserve their place here.

  • In addition to in-person Seders, Chabad is offering “Seder to Go” kits, with handmade shmurah matzah, grape juice, kiddush cup, Haggadah and all the Seder ingredients. Please order your “Seder to Go” kit via this link by March 23.
  • Chabad will offer Passover lunches and dinners at Chabad House during the week of Passover from Tuesday, March 30, through Sunday, April 4. Those interested in Passover meals should sign up.

For additional information, please contact Rabbi Yaakov Rapoport at rabbirap@gmail.com or 315.727.0972.

Lutheran Campus Ministry:

The Lutheran chaplaincy will offer Easter worship service during its regularly scheduled time on Sunday, April 4, at noon in the Noble Room of Hendricks Chapel. This service, as is the case each Sunday during the academic year, is also available virtually on Facebook Live.

For additional information, please contact Chaplain Rev. Gail Riina at griina@syr.edu or 315.251.4739.

Catholic Chaplaincy:

The Catholic chaplaincy will offer worship, music and reflection at various times and places:

  • Holy Thursday, April 1, 7 p.m. – Commemoration of the Institution of the Eucharist and Foot Washing, followed by Eucharistic Adoration until 9 p.m. at the Catholic Center, 110 Walnut Place. Seating capacity is 58.*
  • Good Friday, April 2, 5 p.m. – Passion of the Lord (including reading of the Passion, veneration of the cross and Holy Communion) at the Catholic Center. Seating capacity is 58.*
  • Good Friday, April 2, 6 p.m. – Stations of the Cross and meditative devotion in the Great Room of the Catholic Center.
  • Holy Saturday, April 3, 7:30 p.m. – Easter Vigil (including blessing of the fire and water, renewal of Baptismal Promises) at the Catholic Center. Seating capacity is 58.
  • Easter Sunday, April 4, 10:30 a.m. – Catholic Campus Ministry Easter Sunday Mass at the Catholic Center. Seating capacity is 58.*
  • Easter Sunday, April 4, 1 p.m. – Catholic Campus Ministry Easter Sunday Mass at Hendricks Chapel in the Main Chapel. Seating capacity is 75.

*These services will be livestreamed on the SU Catholic Center YouTube page. They will also be posted to the SU Catholic Facebook Page at their conclusions.

For more information, please contact Father Gerry Waterman at fwaterma@syr.edu or 315.443.2649.

Syracuse Hillel:

Hillel will offer a variety of ways to celebrate Passover with classmates and friends:

  • Students can join a small Seder on campus with five to 10 of their closest friends, favorite organization or a surprise group. Furthermore, those interested in hosting a Seder from their residence can request assistance from Hillel in receiving food from dining services or reimbursement for the food students make on their own. Those interested may complete this form.
  • To request a box of “goodies” for Passover, including a long-sleeved t-shirt, kiddush cups and People’s Place Café coupons, please fill out the Passover Gift Boxes 2021 form.
  • Syracuse Hillel will offer two kosher-for-Passover meals a day throughout the holiday. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner will be served from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please visit the Winnick Hillel Center at 102 Walnut Place to receive these meals.

For additional information, please contact Rabbi Joel Goldstein at jgolds13@syr.edu or 206.251.8332.

As members of the University community continue to practice a diversity of traditions and rituals in the midst of such challenging times, Hendricks Chapel is available to all students for guidance and support.

For a full listing of available resources, including access to food pantries and other outreach programs, please visit hendricks.syr.edu or contact chapel@syr.edu or 315.443.2901.