Champs 2016 Over Passover

[Ari423]

I don't know how big of a Jewish representation there is on CD, but for those who are (or people who care about those who are) I just realized that Championships will be on the last 3 days of Passover next year, according to the official FIRST website (see http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr...t-championship).

For those of you who don't know what Passover is, it's an 8 day holiday (for most of the world) where Jewish people do not eat leavened bread, or most anything made with wheat and other grains (also corn, peanuts, and other things depending on regional traditions). If you observe the holiday strictly, almost all "normal" food is off limits unless it specifically says it is okay. This means students who religiously () follow the holiday will not be able to eat any meals at Champs that they did not bring themselves.

I know this will make it hard for me personally to attend (that is, if my team qualifies). How does this affect you or your team (especially the Israeli teams who are likely to have a higher concentration of Jewish students and mentors)? Is there any possibility that FIRST did not realize this conflict and it can be changed to allow kids of all religions to participate without serious challenges?


EDIT: If it is impossible to move the date, perhaps FIRST could offer a Kosher for Passover meal plan for students. Finding approved food is very hard when you are traveling, as I most restaurants that would otherwise be Kosher are closed over Passover and most approved food requires some level of preparation unavailable in hotel rooms.

[Shrub]

I didn't even realize this. ;-; I also have no idea. It's a good thing this has been brought up early though c:

[connor.worley]

Bring it up with your mentors. They'll make sure you have food to eat.

[teku14]

It's also over National Science Bowl again...

[GaryVoshol]

It's happened before. Here's a post discussing having a seder: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ighlight=seder

[Ari423]

Thankfully we will not need a Seder!

Unfortunately, I am on a small team that isn't assuming we will go to worlds. Perhaps someone who is on a bigger, "more successful"* team who is making that assumption can put together some kind of Kosher for Passover dinners so at least students observing the holiday can have a substantial dinner. I would do it myself, but we need someone more certain that they will be there than myself to coordinate it.
It's hard to preform at your peak while not eating well. I had a hard time doing this for 2 days at MAR Champs last year (which fell over Passover), and I was able to drive home for dinner. I can't imagine surviving three energy filled days without good dinners. On behalf of those who need it, I thank you.


*Im not trying to get into a debate about what defines being successful, but you understand what I'm saying

[The other Gabe]

This happened during PNW DCMP this year, unless my memory is faulty. I was fortunate in that my father was volunteering there, and able to get Kosher food for us. Therefore my suggestion is to find a mentor who is willing to go buy you some matzos, or something else you'd be willing to eat (there's at least one store near the Edwards Dome that might carry it). Worst case scenario is you have to break the rules a little bit. I feel like G-D would prefer that if you had to chose between breaking a Kosher rule and starving to death, you chose to break the rule (my 2 cents anyways, I don't follow the rules super strictly due to vegetarianism (IE I eat corn, nuts, etc)). sorry if that was ramble-ey instead of helpful

[Ari423]

Originally Posted by The other Gabe

This happened during PNW DCMP this year, unless my memory is faulty. I was fortunate in that my father was volunteering there, and able to get Kosher food for us. Therefore my suggestion is to find a mentor who is willing to go buy you some matzos, or something else you'd be willing to eat (there's at least one store near the Edwards Dome that might carry it). Worst case scenario is you have to break the rules a little bit. I feel like G-D would prefer that if you had to chose between breaking a Kosher rule and starving to death, you chose to break the rule (my 2 cents anyways, I don't follow the rules super strictly due to vegetarianism (IE I eat corn, nuts, etc)). sorry if that was ramble-ey instead of helpful

Of course I wouldn't starve myself, but I wouldn't put myself in a situation where I knew the options were starve myself or break the rules. I guess it depends how strict you are, but finding substantial food in the store that doesn't require preparation is not easy. You can't survive off matzah for three days. It would be very helpful if someone could organize a meal so that kids don't have to choose between starving themselves, going against their religion, or not going to Champs (arguable a fate worse than death). I can definitely help organize it beforehand, but someone else will have to be in charge of supervising there.

[steelerborn]

I know many regionals occur during lent, so I usually fast and don't eat meat.

But honestly I don't eat much during the day at competitions or at champs just dinner.

[Ari423]

Originally Posted by steelerborn

I know many regionals occur during lent, so I usually fast and don't eat meat.

But honestly I don't eat much during the day at competitions or at champs just dinner.

But imagine only being able to eat crackers (and maybe eggs or something) for three days. I guarantee you won't be performing at your fullest potential by day 3.

[The other Gabe]

Originally Posted by Ari423

Of course I wouldn't starve myself, but I wouldn't put myself in a situation where I knew the options were starve myself or break the rules. I guess it depends how strict you are, but finding substantial food in the store that doesn't require preparation is not easy. You can't survive off matzah for three days. It would be very helpful if someone could organize a meal so that kids don't have to choose between starving themselves, going against their religion, or not going to Champs (arguable a fate worse than death). I can definitely help organize it beforehand, but someone else will have to be in charge of supervising there.

I completely agree with that, I'm just wondering how feasible it would be... I suppose it doesnt matter to me too much since I've graduated and will not be going to champs, but I still worry about all ya'll that want to go

[Shrub]

Originally Posted by Ari423

You can't survive off matzah for three days.

Is this a challenge

In all seriousness though, if you need help with any organizing, just PM me. I'd be glad to help.

[DonRotolo]

There are enough Jewish people at CMP that if you look, you'll find someone organizing food and other things you'll find helpful. This has happened before, and all can be accommodated with little fuss. STL isn't Podunk.

I'm not Jewish, but I am religious, and have had no trouble finding what I need to maintain my faith.

Looking at it another way: There is no reason to think that being away from home will prevent you from what you wish to do.