Each year as the winter fades away and the first signs of Spring appear,
we anticipate this festival of freedom, a time of new beginnings for
our ancestors and for us. Passover is one of the most favorite holidays
for Jews around the world. Maybe this is because it is a celebration
that involves family and friends, maybe because of the fact that there
is lots of good food, or maybe because we anticipate the retelling of
our people’s story in the words of the Haggadah, and participating in
the rituals at the Seder meal.
But for most of us, Passover doesn’t just happen. It requires all of the preparations mentioned above and sometimes a few more. And, if you are hosting the Seder at your house, you’ll want to be sure to make it a festive meal where everyone feels welcome and engaged in the retelling of the story of the Exodus. Begin your planning well in advance and feel free to ask your guests to bring a dish to the meal so that you don’t have to do all of the cooking. You can even send out recipes from different Jewish cultures around the world. Consider the knowledge, participation level and attention span of your guests and find a Haggadah that fits. Then, with the haggadah that you will be using, decide how you want to conduct the Seder. Who will lead? Who will read parts? How will you will get everyone around the table to be engaged in the telling? Consider asking your guests to bring alternative readings to add to the Seder. Invite your guest to bring their own questions to add to the ones traditionally asked in the Haggadah. Purchase a CD or download some Passover music to add to the festivities. Advance preparations lead to a more relaxed and enjoyable Seder for you as the host, and a memorable experience for everyone there.
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