Academy Religious Observances
Surrounded by good food, family and friends, Exonians participated in a myriad of religious celebrations hosted by the Religious Services team at Exeter over the past week. Every year, Jews gather together with their friends and family to celebrate their ancestors’ freedom from the enslavement from the Pharaoh of Egypt. After months of planning the event, the Religious Services welcomed members of the Exeter community to gather together in the Forrestal-Bowld Music Center and remember the Jewish people’s struggle for freedom through a number of prayers, songs and food. The Academy also held Christian observances to celebrate Holy Week.
A traditionally Jewish event, Exeter’s Passover was open to anyone who wished to participate, no matter what religion they practiced. “We want students who have never had the chance to experience a holiday like Passover or Easter before to be able to do so,” said Reverend Heidi Heath, a member of Exeter’s Religious Services team. During the event, all attendees were provided a book of prayers and songs so that everyone could sing along.
Students, Jewish and non-Jewish alike, enjoyed the opportunity presented by the team. “It showed me a different perspective on different religions,” said lower Emma Cerrato. Although she practices Christianity, this is already her second year coming to the Passover Seder.
“Exeter’s workload does make it more difficult to practice my religion, but it doesn’t make it impossible.” Heath added, “We are always working on ways to make it just a little easier.”
At the center of the table, a large array of foods were spread out to be eaten at different stages of the ceremony. This array included matzah (traditional Jewish flatbread), bitter herbs to represent the bitterness and harshness of slavery and Charoset (a mixture of chopped apples, nuts and cinnamon) to represent the mortar and brick used by Hebrew slaves to build the storehouses and pyramids of Ancient Egypt.
Lower Emily Kelleher appreciated the social aspect of Passover. “Everybody here is really lovely [and] it’s a really good way to meet a different group of people,” she continued. Surrounding their table, students of all grade levels were laughing as they shared food in celebration.
Additionally, the Passover celebrations allowed Jewish students to carry out long-lasting traditions. Prep Anna Jacobowitz said, “I’m very grateful that we have [these practices] here. Without this community [and] this club, there would be no other way for me to carry out my identity.”
Passover events were not the only religious services hosted last weekend, as Holy Week was also recognized. Christians often participate in Holy Week, the religious week before the revered holiday of Easter. It begins on Palm Sunday, celebrating Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem, and continues through Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. Holy Week is a time for Christians to remember and honor the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Along with planning the Jewish Passover, the Exeter Religious Services team organized events to celebrate Holy Week. These included Palm Sunday Worship, Good Friday Observance, Sunrise Service and the Easter Sunday Service Communion. Phillips Church was also kept open throughout the week for adoration and quiet prayer.
The Religious Services team worked hard to ensure that all of these events went smoothly. “We have to think about everything from advertising to seating to preparing to leading the services,” Heath said. The Exeter Religious Services team worked hard to ensure that everyone, no matter the religious affiliation, felt welcome.
For some, it can be difficult to be away from home during special holidays like Passover and Holy Week. Despite this, the Exeter Religious Services team did an amazing job of providing the students with opportunities to carry out their respected practices and activities. Heath said, “Part of supporting each other in a residential community means ensuring as many students as possible have an opportunity to participate in their religious practices.”
As in past years, Exonians contributed to the success of religious events over the past week by showing up and celebrating one another’s traditions.
Upper Michaela Phan commented on the religious community at Exeter, saying, “The main difference is that I don’t have my family to attend these events with, but I found a community of friends who act as my family at school.”
Being a student at Exeter includes managing a tremendous amount of work that can often limit free time. “Having these events and being reminded of them helps us get out of the Exeter bubble,” Phan said. Through these events, Exeter allows students who wish to take an active role in practicing their religion to do so.
Furthermore, the Exeter Religious Services team tries to ensure that religious and spiritual students are able to find space for their practices. Phan said, “Exeter’s workload does make it more difficult to practice my religion, but it doesn’t make it impossible.” Heath added, “We are always working on ways to make it just a little easier.”