Passover in Atlanta
 

As we have recently been getting ready for our first competitions of the season, it has become a concern to me that the Jewish holiday Passover falls on the same night as the finale party in Atlanta during Champs, the night of April 19th. I was wondering if, perhaps, there are members of other teams going to Atlanta that also have this same concern and would like to group together to find places, a chabad house or synagogue hospitality in which it may be possible to still observe the holiday and perhaps pool together to get an organized transportation system for the possible conflict. we could even collaborate to conduct our seder if that is the best option. If you are interested, please reply as well as for any questions. Supervision would also be needed. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Sam Alexander
Team 341

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Sam,

I am a mentor on 401, and would like to join in on the search. I am a member of Hillel up here @ VT, so I will see if they know people at the Hillel at Georgia Tech.
Let me know if you find anything else out.

-Gabe

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Three years ago when this issue arose I believe there was a FIRST sponsored(or at least organized) sader. I was not there that year but my cousin was and Ill get the details on what it was from him.

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Well I don't know if my team will get to Atlanta, but in case we do, then that would be a serious concern. Not only that, the last day of the competition is on Sabbath.

How will you attend the event ?

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Thank you all so much. Your replies are very much appreciated. I think FIRST should take consideration toward being a religious Jew in robotics or even secular as Pesach is so universal, since most competitions are over Shabbat, but it seems that in 2002 what they did was to begin a thread like this and found a way to host a seder in that area possibly helped by FIRST and ended up getting around 70 people (that was over the first two nights of the chag). They had a seder for about an hour and a half and then continued to the party..we can decide how we can go about it this year with those of you who have replied with interest. To be Shomer Shabbat, however, is of greater concern such that all FIRST competitions are over Shabbat, I believe. I will bring this up to my coach, perhaps. Because really most if not all competition activity isn't compatible with the observance of Shabbat but perhaps if it is necesary we can bring candles etc. and conduct a service. If anyone has any thoughts on the subject, concern or just comments, please address them.

Thank you,
Sam Alexander
Team 341

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

For the 2005 Competition, "Tripple Play," at the Championships in Atlanta they did have a Seder and Dean Kamen was in attendence. I personally was not there, but the seniors on our team who were said that this happend. I wouldn't be surprised if FIRST, or a team, hosts a Passover seder for the holiday.

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

I wish some one of authority could view this so my parents could be a bit more confident about what's going on., my plans or else I probably can't go..

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

I'm a very secular Jew, and I was NOT looking forward to missing the first seder. I commend you all for working on this so far in advance.
I've e-mailed some friends, and we'll see if anyone has a location.
Also: There will, by definition, be three Israeli teams in Atlanta. I think the Israeli regional is this weekend (?). Does anyone know if they would be interested, or have made any plans?
I'll let you all know if anything pans out.
Nesher
nesher@hughes.net
(Representing the entire Jewish population of Winnebago - me!)

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Hi Guys!

There are actually 6 teams coming in from Israel.

There has been ofcourse much talk about the seder.

4 teams consist mostly of secular jews, but there are 2 full teams whose members are all religious (they were "kiput" or "yarmulkes").

Right now we have a place at the convention center for the seder, and the big wigs over here are trying to determine what kind of seder it's going to be (the big question seems to be if it will include food or not)

obviously anyone wanting to attend is invited, but if there is food we would probably go for a pre-registration kind of thing so we know how much food to get.

i'll keep you guys posted!

-Leav

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

I don't think I will be there in ATL this year, but back in 2001 and 2005 there would be a seder for anyone who needed to go.

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

To all who have sent me inquires. This is what I know:

• I cannot coordinate this year.
• I sent out emails last fall/winter to those who were involved in 2005. The 2005 effort was a group of volunteers, and not sponsored by FIRST.
• Reps from FIRST Israel offered to look into having a more traditional seder than was held in 2005.
• A room was reserved at the GWCC. (This was before the tornado and needs to be reconfirmed with FIRST.)

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

so is there going to be a seder of all the jewish teams together or should we each take care of ourselves?

i would love it if people can clarify what is going happen and give details about the event..

Thanks a lot, Team 1690.

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Ziv,

You should be in touch with Alisha, she is taking care of things.

as it seems now (update from 20 minutes ago):

-The two religious teams from Israel will be doing a more traditional seder at places they were invited to. they are going to as guests at a seder (as far as I understood) and it is not an open seder for all FIRST teams (though i'm sure you could talk to them an arrange to be part of that!)

-There will be a seder at the dome but arrival of non-Israeli needs to be co-ordinated with Alisha since it will be catered.
(Note: though it will be catered this will not be a full and complete seder. due to logistical problems it is only possible to have cold/room temperature food)

I'll try and get more concrete information later this week as things unfold and give out a user announcement so everyone can know about it.....

feel free to talk to me (here or PM)if you have any questions...

-Leav

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Sounds awe-some!
wish i could be there too =]

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

WE wish you could be there :)

-Leav

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

I have a couple of Jewish students on my team who would be interested. Is it possible for single students to go or does it have to be a full team?

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Well, in case you guys need a programmer (or anything else, heck, I'd be a cheerleader just to go with you to ATL), it would be a dream for me to join you =]

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Wait! Tottanka, you will not be at the championship event ???
:confused:

Anyways, I wanted to give some piece of advice to the Israeli teams and everyone else who will visit Atlanta.

The 2 highlights of my stay with Kiryat Motzkin team 2217 last year were the CNN Center and Six Flags amusement park which is outside the city.

Don't miss those 2 musts !

And more importantly, make sure you don't skip any of your matches.
As a matter of fact, we skipped a match our alliance won without us!
:o That was embarrassing so make sure you don't repeat our mistakes!

And last but not least, team 2217 has got a whole stock of stickers and flags from Habanim organization (for the release of the abducted soldiers)
We would hand them to other teams if we won.
You can contact me by phone and take those giveaways.

Good luck to all the Israeli teams!

We hope you will be the first to come home with an award!

:)

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

C'mon Liron, you're small enough. Just stow away in someone's suitcase :ahh:

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Shalom Leav!
How do we contact Alisha? We'd be happy to bring cold food, like Matzot and maror and such. We'd also insist on helping with expenses.
FYI, I contacted some folks from Habonim/Dror (Noar Oved v'Lomed) here and they offered a shul, Hillel House, etc. So there are lots of folks eager to help if we need it. Obviously, the Convention Center is best so nobody has to drive all over Atlanta.
See you in a few weeks,
Nesher

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Nesher,
Alisha is the Israeli Regional Director.
Her email is:
alisha@firstisrael.org.il

- Liron

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

A mini-Seder will be held at the FIRST Robotics Championship on Sat. April 19, 2008 immediately following the awards ceremony. Although FIRST is assisting by providing space, this event will be organized and led by a group of volunteers from FIRST. This Seder will last about 90 minutes, and will allow teams to then attend the all-team social. It will include a light dinner, with the ritual foods and elements of a Seder including reading from the Haggadah and singing. We will probably need to charge $10 depending on numbers and on donations. Those desiring a more traditional Seder will be referred to local families.

An explanation for all our non-Jewish friends:

Passover is an eight-day religious celebration symbolizing the Jewish people's freedom from slavery and exile in Egypt. It is a celebration not just of a specific historical event, but of freedom itself. It is also a time of thanksgiving, spring renewal, and family and community solidarity. Passover is one of the most significant and widely-observed holidays on the Jewish calendar. In 2008 Passover begin at sundown on April 19, 2008, and individuals of the Jewish faith worldwide will celebrate with family gatherings and traditional meals, called a Seder

If anyone on your team is interested in attending this mini-Seder, please send your team number, name, and email to seder@firstisrael.org.il before April 9, 2008. The entire team does not need to attend; only those who want to participate.

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Jon,
Thanks for all the info =]
will the seder be webcasted? :D?

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

I'm sure David (formerly of 1577) can organize something :)

p.s.
Liron could you make an announcement on the front page of FIRSTAid?

-Leav

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Will there be a place to make donations?

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Does anyone know whether Dean Kamen will attend the Seder?

I am really curious to find that one out...

:)

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

I heard there is a VIP dinner parallel to our seder at a hotel nearby. I'm guessing that Dean Kamen counts as a VIP.... :)

-Leav

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Hello
I'm a parent for Team 694 (stuyvesant HS NYC) and my son Jonathan will be going to Atlanta and I would be delighted if he could be part of a seder on both Sat and Sunday. Please let us know if we can be of help long distance.
In addition Jonathan is staying over on Sunday so he can visit Emory on Monday morning but we would love to arrange for him to visit and hang out with someone from Georgia Tech on Sunday since they do not have formal tours on that day. Is there anyone who would recommend how to proceed? Thank you in advance
Rita

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Rifkie,

please email Alisha at seder@firstisrael.org.il before April 9, 2008. There are two religious teams attending who will be attending an orthodox seder (although ours will have kosher food!)

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Thanks for the contact but is there anyone official that can be contacted regarding a full scale seder.? Dean himself?

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

This email is very official. It's FIRST people you are contacting there .

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

If you mean a more orthodox seder, than the email provided is still very valuable!
they can refer you to more orthodox Seders in the area (two Israeli teams are attending Orthodox seders).

Remember that you are more than welcome to be part of our Seder! it may not be fully orthodox but we will have lots of fun and we will be reading the haggadah (obviously!)

-Leav

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Leav, What do you think will be the differences between the seder options?


P.S. and by the way, on a completely separate topic, could an American student attend the Technion? Just curious. I can't wait for Atlanta!! I was thinking about teaching my teaching my team some cheers b'ivrit yeah?!

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Although I do not have the specific details, I would assume that the team seder will be pretty brief (90 min) and will not cover the entire hagaddah. They won't be serving any hot food, and many religious restrictions probably won't be observed (electricity and such). The other option (going to local orthodox seders) will include a full dinner with all the traditional foods and a complete reading. This is probably the best option for religious team members or ones looking for the traditional, family style seder.

To answer your second question: Yes they can. You can find more information on the English Technion admissions page.

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

I definitely want to help plan this in anyway possible, as well as attend.

I could also probably bring a bunch of Hagaddahs, donated from a local shop.

What exactly is the plan? I'm a little confused what's going on where.

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

I would also like to know about a possible place to attend services and a seder.

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Hi,
I'll try to explain some stuff.

The Seder at the dome will be a brief and fun seder with a light dinner, the seder is being kept brief (90 min) so that teams may attend the FIRST Finale after the seder.

anyone can attend the seder! just email seder@firstisrael.org.il with your name, team number and how many people you will be attending with.

please note that there may be an entrance fee varying from $5 to $15 depending on how much donation we can get for the seder.

If you have any more questions feel free to PM me and i'll answer them to the best of my knowledge.

-Leav
P.S
If I had to guess I would say that there are over 100 american students at the technion... so consider yourself invited!

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

You never know! Dean has a sneaky way of appearing at things.
However, there are also VIP events going on at the same time.

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Where would the sedar be held in the dome as in like location? I mean jsut to know, cause the team wants one of the mentors to come with me, since I am the only jewish person on my team.

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Btw, it's ok for people who aren't jewish to attend, cause I might just bring a bunch of people from my team.

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

I wanted to thank everyone who put so much work into the Seder! To get something like that organized with all the competition activity is amazing.

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Who knew?
- McIntyre is an Israeli name? (sometimes)
- the Governor of Hawaii is Jewish?
- Dean's brother doesn't wear denim?
- There's more than one way to sing Dayenu?

We had a GREAT time at the Seder, and hope the next FRC Championships are during Pesach again, and that we get to go - just so we can see you all again!

The Asners

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Haha it's not...Alisha's name was originally Wallenstein (and she is American).
I believe McIntyre is Australian...

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Thanks to all that made the seder possible, it was really good! next year in Jerusalem! (or ATL)

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

South African actually =]

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Dean's brother, Dr. Bart Kamen- does NOT wear denim except to confuse people. It is funny when he does, though.

There is DEFINITELY more than one way to sing Dayenu. That was a fun time. It's really cool to see the differences between the passover service traditions.

I enjoyed the seder- it was really great to meet everyone!

Re: Passover in Atlanta
 

Actually, Rob is a Kiwi!