Jewish Community News

News: April 2008

Local speech and debate competition slated for the first night of Passover
In response to a disappointing decision by the  California High School Speech Association’s (CHSSA) to hold its upcoming state tournament on the first night of Passover, Hillel of Silicon Valley (HSV) will hold a Seder (Passover dinner) that same evening at Santa Clara University, the location of the speech tournament.
     The goal is to allow Jewish high school students the chance to participate in both the speech and debate competition and a Passover Seder. The Seder will be open to all students, of all religious backgrounds, participating in the State Tournament.
   “We recognize that the situation is not ideal, but are looking forward to introducing the high school students to Hillel,” said Sue Maltiel, executive director of HSV. “We host Passover Seders every year for those students who remain on campus during the holiday.”
     Maltiel is working closely with Melan Jaich, debate coach at Santa Clara University and the local speech and debate league, to ensure that students are aware of the Seder, and are given the opportunity to attend.   Additionally, HSV is working with Santa Clara University to make sure Kosher for Passover food is available for Jewish students on Sunday, April 20.
    Currently local high school students are still competing to qualify for the State Tournament. CHSSA will notify local coaches so that as students qualify, they will know that they are invited to observe Passover during the Tournament
      HSV is in the process of raising funds to cover the cost of the Seder ($42 per student) so that the high school students pay only a minimal amount. “There is no membership fee associated with Hillel and we don’t charge college students for any of our events,” explains Maltiel. “We’d like to do the same for the visiting high school students, but this is an unanticipated expense.”