From slaves in Egypt to Am Echad
Over 200 Jewish students came together, sharing our stories, our songs and our prayers for a world redeemed.
Years ago, as the executive director for Hillel at an American University, I found myself responsible for kashering the kitchen for Pesach, enabling Jewish students of varying observance levels to celebrate the seder together.
From secular, Reform, Conservative/Masorti and Orthodox traditions, from Ashkenazi, Sephardi and Mizrachi backgrounds, over 200 Jewish students came together, sharing our stories, our songs and our prayers for a world redeemed. We were drawn together in that present moment, grounded in our shared history and, over Elijiah’s cup, committed to bringing about a better future.
Prior to the seder, I invited students to learn about the kashering process — what could and couldn’t be kashered and the various methods involved. We covered counters, replaced dishwashing soap and checked hechshers (kosher for Pesach certification). We cooked all the food in our newly kashered kitchen, using only Pesach-approved ingredients.
When I returned home, my family asked why I had expended all this effort when it wasn’t our personal practice. At first, it was for the students — to be inclusive and respect varying observance levels. But through the process, I found my own meaning. It wasn’t just about halachah (Jewish law) or strict standards. Rather, I discovered that Pesach preparation was about something deeper.
It was about shifting mindsets, engaging intentionally and transforming my surroundings — and myself.
After “slaving” away in the kitchen, by seder night, I was both exhausted and exhilarated. The physical labour of kashering and cleaning led to a kind of spiritual readiness, allowing me to sit back, relax and be fully present for the seder, the creative food, games, songs and discussions inspired by the haggadah.
Although Pesach is zman cheruteinu — our festival of freedom, at its core, it is more about yetziat Mitzrayim — the Exodus from Egypt.
Think about it. As Jews, why do we do what we do? Because of the Exodus. Because we were slaves in Egypt. Because it was in that journey that we became Am Echad – one people.
Pesach teaches us that transformation lies in the process. By immersing ourselves in preparation, we connect more deeply to the Divine. By reinterpreting ancient rituals with new meaning, we link our personal journeys to our greater Jewish story.
So, this Pesach, I invite all of us to engage intentionally in the process.
Prepare, rather than simply show up to the seder. Allow ourselves to experience an exodus, to feel as if we have been personally redeemed from our daily, ordinary existence to a space of deeper spiritual connection and oneness with our people.
Rabbi Allison Conyer is the chair of the Assembly of Rabbis and Cantors of Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
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