Thinking about a Passover Seder without the usual family and friends gathering for the dinner seems like an incomplete tradition. However, the ongoing year has seen similar scenarios, courtesy of the ongoing pandemic.
For most of the Jews around the world, the condition is not good since they will be experiencing such a kind of crisis during Seder. For them, it is a bizarre and unnatural feeling to have their Passover programs. But there is a lot of confusion surrounding the same as well. What if they don’t get the exact bitter herbs they are looking for? What if they don’t make the right preparation of the food or the right Haggadah and what if you don’t get your hands on Matzoh? But the need of the hour is to keep our health as a priority and if God wants us to stay safe and yet honor the tradition, you can do the best of your efforts.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself
One thing you need to ensure upon is that you have to stop chasing perfection! Take things easy this time and it’s fine if you don’t feel like any other year. The occasion is still important for the value it holds and you have to keep that in mind always.
The very essence that revolves around the Passover is the sheer will of Jew people and their ability to adapt. They were a strong believer in optimism and always looked up to the better times ahead. When you hear the Passover story, you might have remembered the part where Israelites were fleeing Egypt, they did not have enough time on their hands. Due to this, the dough didn’t rise for the bread and that is why Matzah is eaten as a tradition of remembrance.
- Don’t forget to enjoy every moment by being creative and resourceful
What if you don’t have a shank bone? A dog bone will do the job! If you have kids, you can even cut a shank bone out of a piece as a touch of creativity this year. What we are doing here is that no matter what, we will still find a way and cause to celebrate, express, reflect, and count the blessings we have and thank God for keeping us strong during this period. Since that is what Passover is all about.
Earlier we used to circulate simple questions amongst all that why this night seems to be different from all other nights? But this year, the same question holds a greater meaning and even more significance. There is no denying the fact that the upcoming Passover will certainly be different. For most of the people, the celebration will not be the usual as other times where all the loved ones are gathered together at the table and enjoy.
- How to keep this special this time
The planning of the Seder this year will take a good amount of effort and you might get a feeling as if you are the part of any business meeting, but don’t worry since it all will be worth the go. This time you will be deciding on a time where everyone can gather together and have a zoom invite since this is the easiest way to enjoy a conversation amongst a large group of people. You will not be damaging the tradition as well as keeping the hygiene and safety precautions in mind. Ensure that before the D-day you have already done the few tests run to make sure that everyone is joining in together and know the technology they’ll be using in and out.
- You still have to prepare a Seder meal
Do not miss this amazing opportunity where everyone is gathering up to enjoy the special meal with tradition and of course, those four glasses of wine. Since people are gathering remotely, but they are still gathering!
- A great engagement for the kids
Make sure to provide one responsibility to each member of the family during Seder. This way even the kids can be involved and they have a chance to prepare and work around the whole preparations for the table to know the tradition better.
In the end, all that we hope is to have a great next Passover with things coming back to normal!