Passover is Almost Here!

In the weeks leading up to our Purim celebrations the messages began appearing in my inbox: “Prepare for Passover”…..“Passover Made Easy”….. “Seder Tips and More”…..“Passover 2011 and MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger”…… “New Perspectives on the Exodus story”…. each one an enticing reminder that once Purim has arrived, Pesach is looming right around the corner.  Soon it will be time to clean the house and get rid of chametz, leavened products, to take out the seder plate, matzah cover, and Elijah’s cup and the haggadot, and shop early to find matzah and other kosher for Pesach foods and begin the Passover cooking.

 

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.