Local Rabbi helps SUNY Oswego students celebrate Passover

OSWEGO, N.Y. – The Passover holiday began last Friday, and for Rabbi Yossi Madvig of Oswego a lot of preparation goes into the celebration.

Madvig is the director of Chabad of Oswego, a self-described “home away from home” for Jewish students. Rabbi Madvig organizes shabbat meals on a weekly basis as well as Passover Seders. He’s been holding Passover meals each night of the holiday. All students are welcome to attend these activities. 

“The first day, or the first two days outside of Israel, there’s what is called a Seder.” Seder means order, and it’s a very structured meal, but the meal is actually only one part of it,” said Madvig.

Seder means order, and it’s a very structured meal, but the meal is actually only one part of it.

-Rabbi Yossi Madvig

Rabbi Madvig mentioned that he strives to create a family-like environment for students. While SUNY Oswego students are away at school, he attempts to make the atmosphere feel more like home.

“You’re not just there celebrating a holiday together… Passover, 100% of the time, the main event is the Seder,” Madvig said.

SUNY Oswego also offers Jewish Life Oswego, an on-campus group that provides a secure atmosphere for Jewish students to learn more about Jewish values and themselves.

Madvig collaborates closely with Jewish Life Oswego at SUNY Oswego to plan various activities and gatherings throughout the year.