Passover, the Jewish holiday that celebrates the Jews' freedom from slavery in Egypt, will have special meaning this year because of the war in Iraq, said Tuvia Abramson, executive director of Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life.

"It will definitely be connected to the Seder," he said.

Hillel will be holding a Seder, the ceremonial dinner held the first two nights of Passover, for students who want to participate in the tradition.

Abramson will be leading the service tonight for about 100 people, at Congregation Brit Shalom, 620 E. Hamilton Ave.

Rabbi Nosson Meretsky will be leading Seders tonight and tomorrow night at the Chabad House, 324 E. Prospect Ave.

He is expecting 60 to 80 people the first night and about 50 for the second. Students were preparing all last week and this week for the dinner.

"We've had students coming over here peeling vegetables and making all kinds of dishes," Meretsky said.

There are a variety of ways for students to prepare for the holiday, which is eight days long and observance requires eating only foods specified as "Kosher for Passover," said Matthew Greenstein (junior-meteorology), Hillel religious chair. He said kosher food is available at local grocery stores as well as McElwain Dining Hall on campus.

"I know some people like myself are going home for Seder and getting food there," Greenstein said.

He estimated that not observing the traditions at all is the most common way students approach the holiday.

Since the holiday starts in the middle of the week there might be a lower turnout, Greenstein said.

Hillel President Deena Sadiky (junior-human development and family studies) said she agrees a Wednesday night dinner could deter students from attending the Seder.

"It sucks because the first Seder is in the middle of the week," Sadiky added about the dinner.

Sadiky also suggested shopping in the grocery stores but warned that the selection is slim.

Sara Cuffe, store accountant at Giant Food Store, 255 Northland Center, said "Kosher for Passover" food is selling "extremely" well. People called Giant asking for things the store has already sold out of, she said.

There is a display in the front of the store and half a grocery aisle dedicated to the specified foods.

To ensure one is only eating what he or she is supposed to for the holiday, people are traditionally supposed to take certain precautions. Gary Jay Katz (senior-computer science) covered his countertops with aluminum foil and bought paper plates and plastic forks for use during the week.

"We're not able to clean out our apartment, but we do wash down our entire kitchen."

If one cannot go home for the holiday, students recommended modifying one's diet within reason as the best alternative. Greenstein said keeping Kosher is definitely possible. "Anything you can do with bread, you can do with matzoh instead."