Passover is coming! There is much to do to make the holiday more meaningful and complete.
Passover is the most ancient of all rituals. It has been passed down in an unbroken chain of tradition for more than 3,300 years.
We celebrate Passover because it commemorates the birth of our nation – when we fled Egypt to be free from slavery, traveled to Mount Sinai to receive our Torah and eventually entered the Promised Land. We celebrate Passover beginning at sundown on Monday, April 14. The highlight of the holiday is the seder, which is a feast for the senses. The tastes, aromas, textures, sounds, sights, songs, questions and answers all combine to achieve the meaningful events of the seder. With this in mind, it is worthwhile to think about how you want to bring the spirit and customs of Passover to your family in order to create an enjoyable, cherished seder – one that has impact that lasts more than just that night and inspires your children to continue. My advice to you is: Start early.
Build up the excitement to Passover. Every evening, countdown to Passover by marking off the days on your calendar. Begin playing and singing Passover or seder music in the days leading up to the holiday, so everyone learns the songs.
Include your children in your preparations. Read Passover books together and visit our website to learn more about the customs and traditions. Buy matzahs, wine and other Passover foods. Choose recipes together, polish the silver cups and candlesticks and take out your special seder items. And as you do all of this together, talk about the symbolism and meaning of the customs.
Passover and seder will certainly be more impactful if we learn about the traditions and why we do them. In fact, this notion applies to every holiday, and many other things in life. A family heirloom may appear worthless to others, but it is priceless to you because you know its history. And just think about some of the world’s most popular and treasured attractions. Many points of interest are not very interesting until their importance is unearthed and understood.
We invite you to attend events that will help you prepare for a meaningful Passover. The Women’s Circle of Chabad of Kendall/Pinecrest is hosting Passover Dishes and Delights – an evening with renowned Chef David from Chef David Schwadron Catering & Event Design, on Tuesday, April 1, at 7:30 p.m. Chef David will cook delicious Passover dishes that you can sample and make at home.
Everyone is invited to a Passover Wine Tasting & Class at Total Wine & Spirits in Pinecrest on Tuesday, April 8, at 7:30 p.m. Taste an array of wines and learn about each one just in time to choose your wines for Passover. You’ll discover that Manischewitz is not the only kosher wine. You’ll also enjoy a wonderful class about Passover with a relevant message you can share at your Passover table.
If you are looking for a seder that is easy to follow and not too long and has a relevant message with great food, company and spirit, then our Chabad Community Seder on Monday, April 14, at 6:30 p.m., is just for you. Whether you join us or celebrate at home, make this the most meaningful Pesach ever.
To reserve your space for the Passover Dishes & Delights and the Chabad Community Seder, learn more about the traditions of Passover and see a schedule of services, go online to www.chabadofkendall.org, call 305-234-5654, email rebyossi@chabadofkendall.org or visit us at 8700 SW 112 St.
