April 2025
McMaster Hillel | Rabbi Ben Shefter

The seder is a ritual that dates back to the Exodus and was fundamental in shaping the Jewish people. One key feature of the Seder is its intimate setting—small groups gathered around a central offering, the Paschal sacrifice, Exodus 12:21-22. Dr. Erica Brown, in The Torah of Leadership on the Torah portion Beshalach, highlights that the Exodus experience can be seen as a struggle between two models of leadership: the diminisher and the multiplier.

Pharaoh exemplifies the diminisher—one who wields fear and coercion to maintain control. He forces people into uniformity, making them feel powerless without a leader to champion their cause. In contrast, God presents a model of a multiplier, seeking to empower individuals to step up and grow into the people they are meant to be. This dynamic is reflected in the Seder, where asking questions is encouraged, and the experience thrives in smaller, more engaged groups. By fostering these intimate gatherings, the Seder becomes a space where each participant is empowered to take an active role in Jewish tradition, strengthening their identity and connection to the Jewish people.

At Hillel McMaster, this ethos of empowerment has fueled remarkable growth. Participation has surged from 310 students last year to over 550 this year. This expansion is not driven by one or two large events but by the flourishing of many sub-communities. These communities provide students with spaces to lead, express their multifaceted identities, and build lasting connections. Whether through Jewski (Jews from the former USSR), Rainbow Jews (LGBTQ2S+ students), Grad and Young Professionals, Sephardi/Mizrahi, Greek life, advocacy initiatives, or other micro-communities, students are finding their place, deepening their engagement, and growing into the Jewish leaders of tomorrow.

As you gather around the seder table this year, take a moment to reflect: When have you acted as a multiplier, empowering others to speak up, lead, or find their voice? When have you been the beneficiary of someone who encouraged you to stand for what you believe in? May we all embody the message of Passover—moving from oppression to freedom, from war to peace. And may all the hostages return home soon.

Am Yisrael Chai

CAPTION: Minister Stephen Lecce and John Demik visits Hillel McMaster to share their story of allyship