Online Speaker Series: The Soul and Moral Character of the Jewish People

What holds a people together across time, success, trauma, and disagreement? How can Jewish identity stay ethically grounded and compelling in a polarized world? That’s where this inaugural session of our relaunched online speaker series will start – and it’s only the beginning.

With Sarah Hurwitz ’99, former White House speechwriter and author of Here All Along, and Jack Lew ’78, former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and U.S. Ambassador to Israel. Professor Jason Furman ’92 will offer opening remarks, and student leader Elana Farbiarz ’29 will bring the campus perspective.

Register Today!

The People’s Plate: A Public Art Display

Big Art. Real Stories. Shared Community.

March 23–26 | Science Center Plaza

In the week before Passover, a nine-foot interpretive seder plate will stand in the most public-facing space on campus, inviting the entire Harvard community into conversation about Jewish life, identity and culture.

Created by local Jewish artist Michael Mittelman in partnership with Harvard Hillel, The People’s Plate draws on stories from students, faculty and alumni across the Harvard Jewish community. Each element of the sculpture represents a different expression of Jewish identity, transforming one of Judaism’s most recognizable symbols into a work of public art that is both deeply personal and open to all.

Come see it. Come talk about it. Come be part of it.

Events

Monday, March 23 | Opening Reception | 6–9 PM Celebrate the launch with an evening reception featuring the artist, light refreshments, and the chance to experience the installation together as a community. The reception will take place at Cambridge Queens Head at 45 Quincy St, Cambridge MA 02138. RSVP Now

Tuesday, March 24 | Meet the Artist | 10 AM–12 PM Stop by for coffee and pastries and meet Michael Mittelman. Learn about the inspiration, process and ideas that shaped the work.

Tuesday, March 24 | Interfaith Passover Seder | 6–8 PM An interactive model seder designed for participants of all backgrounds to explore the story, rituals and themes of Passover together. All are warmly welcome.

Wednesday, March 25 | Ask the Rabbis | 12–3 PM Drop in for coffee and conversation with campus rabbis. An open space to ask questions, explore Jewish ideas and reflect on themes connected to the exhibit.

Thursday, March 26 | Passover Treats Tasting | 10 AM–1 PM Sample traditional Passover treats while learning about the foods, flavors and customs that shape the holiday table.

About the Artist

Michael Mittelman has spent over twenty years working at the intersection of art and technology, creating virtual reality sculptures in welded steel, producing interactive installations and using digital fabrication to create novel works. His art has been shown locally and nationally, including at the List Center for Visual Arts, the deCordova Museum, Mayyim Hayyim and the Spalter Digital Art Collection. He holds a BA from Wesleyan University and an MFA from Massachusetts College of Art, with additional study in architecture through Columbia University’s NY Paris program.

“I actually think everyone should make a symbolic seder plate for themselves that expresses their identity and values. Jews have been iterating on seder plates for generations. As one of our moveable traditions, it invites creative expression.” — Michael Mittelman

Shulchan Ivrit, Hebrew Table

A welcoming, low pressure space for practicing spoken Hebrew at all levels, grounded in conversation, shared meals, and meaningful community building.

The People’s Plate: Opening Reception

Celebrate the launch of the public art exhibit with an evening reception featuring the artist, light refreshments, and the opportunity to experience the installation together as a community. The reception will take place at Cambridge Queens Head at 45 Quincy St, Cambridge MA 02138.

Register today!

The People’s Plate: Meet the Artist

Stop by for coffee and pastries and meet the artist behind the installation. Learn about the inspiration, process, and ideas that shaped the work.

Smoothies with Uzi

Meet Uzi at Playa Bowls to connect with other students, hang out with Uzi, and enjoy a smoothie at Harvard Hillel.

The People’s Plate: Interfaith Passover Seder

Join us for an interactive model Passover seder designed for participants of all backgrounds to explore the story, rituals, and themes of this Jewish holiday together – all backgrounds warmly welcome.

Register today!

In Person Grad Hebrew Class

Join our graduate student Hebrew classes designed for all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced speakers. Build your skills, practice conversation, and connect with other grad students in a welcoming, low-pressure environment. All levels are welcome  — come learn at your pace.

The People’s Plate: Ask the Rabbis

Drop in for coffee and conversation with campus rabbis – an open space to ask questions, explore Jewish ideas, and reflect on themes connected to the exhibit.

Shulchan Aravit, Arabic Table

An inclusive conversational environment open to all proficiency levels, offering opportunities to practice spoken Arabic through dialogue, food, and social connection.

Virtual Grad Hebrew Class

Join our graduate student Hebrew classes designed for all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced speakers. Build your skills, practice conversation, and connect with other grad students in a welcoming, low-pressure environment. All levels are welcome — come learn at your pace.

The People’s Plate: Passover Treats Tasting

Sample a variety of traditional Passover treats while learning about the foods, flavors, and customs that shape the holiday table.