Passover 2020 was a different experience, but we were still able come together and celebrate one of our most important festivals. This page has resources for online seders, should you need to host one in the future plus fun stuff to share with your family!
The Board of Rabbis has consulted with representatives of the different streams of Judaism, as well as communal leadership to provide guidelines to mark the chag in ways that are safe, socially-responsible, and still joyous.
Smaller Seder Tables
As we know and as we have all taught in recent weeks, Judaism teaches that the preservation of our health is paramount to almost all other considerations. While gathering at a seder table with family and friends is perhaps one of the most cherished and most widely-observed of Jewish traditions, we implore all in the Jewish community to limit our seder table ONLY to those within one’s own household.
Togetherness When Apart
We acknowledge that many individuals and organizations are opting to provide virtual seders this year, with options both before chag begins as well as after sundown. For some, the use of technology is already consistent with their Jewish practice. For others, these options are consistent with evolving guidelines in the midst of this crisis.
Food Supply - Before, During and After
Use online food shopping where possible, to avoid rushes in the markets.
Shop local. While some people go out of town to get specialty items or seek reduced pricing, this can increase the spread of the coronavirus. Pesach is about simplicity anyway, removing the “puffed-up-ness” of our lives.
Do not hoard. In keeping with this idea of simplicity, get what you need for your family, and allow the shelves to remain stocked for others.
Sell more chametz than you discard. While in other years many follow the observance of removing leavened items and selling only the remainder (or the high-value items), it is permissible to sell chametz. This year, it feels particularly prudent to store away chametz in a closed-off place, and once the holiday is over and the sale of chametz is (presumably) voided, to have access to that food.
We compiled downloadable Haggadah options. Click here to find one just right for you and your family. Or check out one made Camp Galil campers here.
Are you virtually hosting? You can access helpful training videos from Zoom by clicking here, and a super-quick Google Meet tutorial right here.
Get tips from Jewish Education expert Lauren Applebaum on making a meaningful, virtual seder.
Watch DIY Seder video put together by some local Jewish young professional groups including NextGen and the Jewish Grad Student Network.
Visit 2forSeder’s online resource page for even more virtual Seder hosting tips.
Stand Up Like Moses
Download an original illustrated Passover children’s story.
Stand Up Like Moses: The Video
Or watch an animation!
Plague Puppets
Bring your seder to life with this cute craft.
Matzah Brei “Cupcakes”
Video recipe for a new twist on a classic.
Bring Your Own Tradition Video
Everyone brings their own take to the Seder table.
Make Sephardic Charoset and Doctored Gefilte Fish
Watch IAC cook and Philadelphia local prepare a Sephardic charoset and gefilte fish.
Sephardic charoset:
1 cup pitted dried dates or medjool dates
1 cup walnuts
½ cup sweet red wine or grape juice
3 tbsp honey or 2 tbsp date syrup
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp cinnamon
If using medjool dates, grind them first in a food processor. Then mix all ingredients in food processor until combined into a thick paste.
Doctoring Gefilte Fish:
Saute onions with cumin, turmeric, white pepper and paprika and add to jarred gefilte fish. Boil peeled carrots and slice them to top.