Harvard unveils giant Seder plate with student stories woven into the art

Imagine a Seder plate so big you can walk around it. That's exactly what Harvard Hillel just unveiled: a massive 9-foot Seder plate sculpture in their Science Center Plaza. It's not just big; it's telling stories.

Called "The People's Plate," this isn't your grandma's Seder plate. Local artist Michael Mittelman crafted it with images inspired by real stories from Harvard students, faculty, and alumni. Instead of the usual symbolic foods, you'll find art that captures personal Jewish identity and traditions.

Rabbi Elisha Gechter, Hillel's senior director, teamed up with Mittelman. They interviewed six people, asking about their sense of belonging, times they felt they had to hide their identity, childhood memories, and even ideas about legacy. Mittelman then translated these deep, personal conversations into the visuals on the plate. Pretty clever, right?

This is Mittelman's first public art piece, and he aimed for joy and positivity. One image shows a chopped-down tree that still stands tall, inspired by a discussion about seeing every side of an argument. It’s a powerful way to visualize resilience and different perspectives.

Next to the sculpture, you can read anonymous versions of these six stories. They come from people with all sorts of backgrounds and levels of religious practice. Mittelman hopes the art gets people asking questions and seeing the rich, complex tapestry of Jewish identity.

First-year student Azaria Sussman from Harvard Hillel loves how it shows many different Jewish experiences, not just one narrow view. It's a nod to the fact that identity is personal and varied.

Rabbi Gechter hopes everyone who sees it, Jewish or not, feels a sense of curiosity. She wants them to get a broader understanding of what it means to be Jewish. For Jewish folks, she hopes it sparks pride and a feeling of "hey, that's me!" It’s a genuinely cool way to bring tradition into the modern world, making it personal and shareable.