A Shared Table: Canterbury Celebrates Passover with Annual Seder | Hilltop Happenings A Shared Table: Canterbury Celebrates Passover with Annual Seder A Shared Table: Canterbury Celebrates Passover with Annual Seder Apr 10 2026 Since 2021, Canterbury’s Jewish Students Association (JSA) has observed Passover by hosting a Seder, the ritual meal that commemorates the Biblical story of the Exodus from Egypt. This year, nearly 30 students and faculty members gathered in the D’Amour Center for Faith, Service & Justice to join in this celebration of Jewish heritage and community. Matthew Glaser ’81 , the School’s Director of Information Technology, once again led the ceremony and even shared personal holiday items from home, such as a Seder plate. The meal, which of course included plenty of matzo, was catered by Amy McKenna ’86 . In keeping with tradition, participants took turns reading from the Haggadah, a Jewish text that outlines the 15 steps of the Seder and tells the story of the Israelites' liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. While Jewish students enjoyed the event as a celebration of their own heritage, others attended as an opportunity to learn more about Judaism. Indeed, students and community members representing a wide range of faith traditions attended the event, including the School’s chaplain, Rev. Brendan Horan, S.J., and the Sacristans. For Catholic students, the evening offered an opportunity to witness the deep historical and spiritual connections between Judaism and Christianity. “The Seder meal at Canterbury is always meaningful, and a positive experience for students of all faiths,” says Josh Leeuw , Director of the D’Amour Center. “For many of our Christian and Muslim students, this was their first Seder. Catholic students were interested in seeing how the Passover Seder serves as the model for the celebration of the Eucharist in Mass. It was the perfect opportunity for interreligious dialogue and camaraderie.” The Seder has become a beloved Canterbury tradition. Retelling this ancient story of the resilience of the Jewish people not only brings the community together but serves as a living expression of the School’s commitment to spiritual growth, curiosity, and connection. View Photos Saints Social Series Gathers Alumni from Coast to Coast Apr 22 2026 Back to School: Canterbury Families Join Students for Grandparents & Friends Day Apr 16 2026 The Art of Diagnosis: Thomas Nailor '08 Brings Expert Perspective to AP Psychology Apr 16 2026 Saints Celebrate Dedication, Achievement, and Future at Spring Commitment Ceremony Apr 16 2026 A Shared Table: Canterbury Celebrates Passover with Annual Seder Apr 10 2026 An Easter Blessing from Our Chaplain Apr 2026 Coaching by the Numbers: USA Field Hockey Analyst Brings Insight to Canterbury Mar 26 2026 Going the Distance: Virginia G. ’26 Completes Her First Half-Marathon Mar 20 2026 Canterbury Style: Anna G. ’27 and Isabella M. ’27 Experience the Fashion Industry at Vogue College Mar 19 2026 Saints in the Garden: SUPA Course Gives Students a VIP Look at New York’s Iconic Arena Mar 16 2026 Four Students Named Nelson Hume Speech Competition Winners Mar 12 2026 Canterbury Robotics Team Gives Their All at Final Qualifier of the Season Mar 10 2026 Canterbury’s Past & Present Come Together for Annual Echoes of Time Concert Mar 10 2026 Canterbury Hosts Annual Blood Drive for the American Red Cross Mar 2026 Boys’ Varsity Squash Wins National Division Championship Mar 2026