ARAMARK and Hillel are teaming up to offer Passover meals to observing Jewish students during the week-long holiday.
“It became apparent to us last year that it made sense for ARAMARK to provide food for all of the Jewish students,” Executive Director of Hillel Rob Morais said. “ARAMARK has agreed to take on the role of providing and cooking kosher food. They already prepare kosher food in Douglass Dining Center.”
In past years, a chef has been brought in to prepare the kosher meals for Passover, but she is no longer able to do this task this year.
“I think this will be very warmly received,” Director of Development for Hillel Tammy Cohen said.
The meals must be pre-registered for and will be available during the Passover holiday only. Students will be able to pre-pay with their club meals or declining balance.
The food will be served at the Interfaith Chapel and will be brought there by ARAMARK employees.
Since Passover begins on a weekend, some students may opt to go home instead of staying on campus for the Passover meals.
“Finals are coming up right after Passover, so it will be interesting to see how many students stay on campus for that, who would have gone home,” Morais said.
Even with some students leaving campus, both ARAMARK and Hillel expect a good demand for the meals.
“The Jewish population here has gone up, and so has the observant Jewish population,” Morias said. “We are trying to appeal to their needs.”
Students are hopeful that the kosher food will be appropriate for the Passover celebration.
“I’m glad that Kosher for Passover food is being made more accessible to us,” freshman Jon Elkin said. “But, given the current kosher diner, I hope that the Kosher for Passover food will be more closely monitored.”
A rabbi has been working with ARAMARK District Manager Brad Bingaman to design the meal plan, which includes roasted pepper soup, white bean and artichoke salad, chicken, chocolate matzo torte and baked whitefish with dill and tomato cucumber relish.
“This is just another extension of our program,” Director of Campus Dining Services and Auxiliary Operations Cameron Schauf said. “Our role is to provide the dining program for all of our customers, so any way to get involved is exciting.”
The week will include two seders that will be free and dinners each night that will cost two club meals. The seders will be conducted in traditional form.
“Passover is a great time here,” Morias said. “Everyone comes together for meals and there is really a sense of community.”
Paret can be reached at eparet@campustimes.org.
