A Community-Sized Seder Plate

Why It Matters

The sculpture transforms a religious symbol into a public art platform, fostering inclusive dialogue about Jewish diversity on a major university campus and reinforcing Hillel’s role in community engagement.

Key Takeaways

• 9‑foot Seder plate installed at Harvard’s Science Center Plaza.
• Artist Michael Mittelman used student‑faculty stories for imagery.
• Six slots depict diverse Jewish experiences and traditions.
• Part of Harvard Hillel’s week‑long Passover celebration.
• Aims to spark dialogue on Jewish identity across campus.

Pulse Analysis

Harvard’s Science Center Plaza now hosts a striking nine‑foot Seder plate, a public‑art reinterpretation of a core Passover symbol. Artist Michael Mittelman, known for blending technology with visual media, collaborated with Rabbi Elisha Gechter to interview six members of the Harvard community. Their narratives—ranging from hidden identities to intergenerational legacies—were translated into vivid icons that occupy the traditional slots for matzah, bitter herbs and other foods.

\n\nThe installation aligns with Hillel’s broader mission to nurture Jewish life on campus while embracing pluralism. First‑year student Azaria Sussman highlighted that the plate showcases "lots of different experiences," underscoring a shift from monolithic representations toward nuanced storytelling. As visitors read the accompanying anonymous narratives, they encounter a mosaic of observance levels, cultural touchstones, and personal memories, prompting reflection on what it means to belong to a faith community in a secular university setting.

\n\nBeyond Harvard, the project exemplifies a growing trend of universities leveraging art to surface underrepresented voices. By converting a religious artifact into an interactive, inclusive display, the Seder plate sets a precedent for other institutions seeking to blend heritage with contemporary campus culture. Such initiatives can deepen alumni connections, attract prospective students interested in vibrant cultural programming, and position campuses as sites of meaningful dialogue about identity, diversity, and shared humanity.