How Will Passover be Different this Year?
At this special time of year, the ancient Passover story binds Jewish people together. It’s a story of oppression and resilience, something everyone can relate to as we continue to make our way out of the Egypt of COVID-19.
Feeling separated from family, friends, and community for the past year has been a challenge, to say the least. Your home has become your virtual synagogue, school, and workplace. Zoom Seders, once unthinkable, have become the new norm. And while it’s best to glean positivity from the chaos, the angel of death has not passed over far too many households since the pandemic began. This thought makes Passover 2021 (or 5781, depending on your calendar) a particularly sobering event.
While the end of the pandemic is in sight, Passover is bound to be different again this year. Regardless of how, where, and with whom you choose to celebrate, think of the Passover ceremony as a chance to hear one another’s stories. Stand in solidarity with your brothers and sisters who have suffered during this long journey through the wilderness.
How to Celebrate Passover this Year
Here are some tips for having a successful socially distanced Passover:
• Virtual visits: Video chatting isn’t as good as being in the same room, but it’s safer than being together in person.
• Passover playlists: Create the right atmosphere during your Seder with a combination of old-time favorites and modern songs that even the youngest participants will enjoy.
• Uplifting videos: Take advantage of the virtual setting and share this video of children recounting the Passover story with your video chat attendees.
Passover Recipes
Hopefully, even if you can’t visit distant loved ones in person, you can still enjoy a feast with the people in your household. Spice up your traditional Passover dinner to create new family favorites with these recipes:
• Beef Brisket: As one of the most recognizable Passover entrees, no Seder is complete without a platter of brisket. This slow-cooker recipe makes cooking moist, tender brisket simpler than ever.
• Matzo Ball Soup: Unleavened matzo is a Jewish dinner staple. It also makes fantastic dumplings served in soup during Passover.
• Turkey Roulade: Sometimes, a whole turkey is too large an undertaking. That’s where roulade comes in! Simply swap out the traditional bread crumbs with matzo meal. This will be the prettiest main dish at your Seder.
• Ultimate Macaroons: Do you know how hard it is to find a Passover-friendly dessert? These little unleavened cookies will become your go-to choice. They also make an amazing Easter treat!
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