Passover 2020/Pesach 5780
Why is this Passover different from all other Passovers?
“As the mah nishtanah, the four questions, remind us, this night will most likely be different then all other nights, and in fact all other Seders. Just as Jewish tradition asks us to use the differences of the Seder night as entry points into the story of the Jewish people, my hope is that we all will find ways to use the difference of this Seder to connect deeply with those and that which we hold dear.
The Seder was developed over 2,000 years ago following the destruction of the Temple as a home-based replacement for the Paschal sacrifice. At its core, the Seder is trying to give access to an experience that is impossible to fully recreate. The Seder as we know it is the result of a world of rapidly changing needs, and the product of incredible innovation and imagination to address those needs. This was as true 2,000 years ago as it is today.”
-Rabbi Charlie Schwartz
Supplies
If you’re located in the Greater Boston Area, you’re eligible for a Free Seder Plate in a Box. It includes all the elements of a traditional seder and you can coordinate no-contact pickup.
If you’re located in Western Mass and you need matzah, contact Rebekah at rebekahs@umass.edu, and we’ll make sure to get you some.
If you’re located elsewhere or just don’t have access to a seder plate or the supplies you typically would, you can find some cool alternatives for displaying or replacing some of the elements you’d usually have.
Resources
Are Zoom seders permissible under Jewish law? See the Conservative Movement’s response to the question of seders taking place over video conferencing platforms. Learn how to host a virtual seder with some help from Hey Alma.
With so many Haggadot out there, it can be hard to choose! This list has some good suggestions of Haggadot to download for free.
Or, check out this really rad Haggadah for a Friendseder (think friendsgiving but with bitter herbs).
Store closures and social distancing have limited our access to food. This article offers some tips and recipes for making the most of what you have.
Extra free time may leave us bored and seeking new activities or things to watch. Passover Unbound has you covered.
Some of us will be spending this Passover in isolation by ourselves. Dr. Michelle Friedman, the head of pastoral counseling at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, gives advice to those struggling with isolation.
We can still connect to traditions we find meaningful even when we’re alone. Written by a group of talented young Jews, this piece is full of great tips and tricks to make your Seder wonderful. This solo Seder guide is full of poetry and mindful reflection questions.
The story of the exodus is a story of freedom and justice. To add a modern social justice lens to your Passover observance this year, consider reflecting on the Ten Plagues of Inequality or one of the resources from Repair the World or the American Jewish World Service.
Virtual Events
Despite the fact that not a single woman is mentioned in the Haggadah, no less than five brave women open the Exodus story in the Torah. Join the National Council for Jewish Women on April 7 for Resistance Lessons from the Heroines of the Passover Story.
Students from across the country are joining NYU in their annual Queer Seder on April 9 at 8 pm EST. All are welcome. Join the Zoom call here.
“As the mah nishtanah, the four questions, remind us, this night will most likely be different then all other nights, and in fact all other Seders. Just as Jewish tradition asks us to use the differences of the Seder night as entry points into the story of the Jewish people, my hope is that we all will find ways to use the difference of this Seder to connect deeply with those and that which we hold dear.
The Seder was developed over 2,000 years ago following the destruction of the Temple as a home-based replacement for the Paschal sacrifice. At its core, the Seder is trying to give access to an experience that is impossible to fully recreate. The Seder as we know it is the result of a world of rapidly changing needs, and the product of incredible innovation and imagination to address those needs. This was as true 2,000 years ago as it is today.”
-Rabbi Charlie Schwartz
Supplies
If you’re located in the Greater Boston Area, you’re eligible for a Free Seder Plate in a Box. It includes all the elements of a traditional seder and you can coordinate no-contact pickup.
If you’re located in Western Mass and you need matzah, contact Rebekah at rebekahs@umass.edu, and we’ll make sure to get you some.
If you’re located elsewhere or just don’t have access to a seder plate or the supplies you typically would, you can find some cool alternatives for displaying or replacing some of the elements you’d usually have.
Resources
Are Zoom seders permissible under Jewish law? See the Conservative Movement’s response to the question of seders taking place over video conferencing platforms. Learn how to host a virtual seder with some help from Hey Alma.
With so many Haggadot out there, it can be hard to choose! This list has some good suggestions of Haggadot to download for free.
Or, check out this really rad Haggadah for a Friendseder (think friendsgiving but with bitter herbs).
Store closures and social distancing have limited our access to food. This article offers some tips and recipes for making the most of what you have.
Extra free time may leave us bored and seeking new activities or things to watch. Passover Unbound has you covered.
Some of us will be spending this Passover in isolation by ourselves. Dr. Michelle Friedman, the head of pastoral counseling at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, gives advice to those struggling with isolation.
We can still connect to traditions we find meaningful even when we’re alone. Written by a group of talented young Jews, this piece is full of great tips and tricks to make your Seder wonderful. This solo Seder guide is full of poetry and mindful reflection questions.
The story of the exodus is a story of freedom and justice. To add a modern social justice lens to your Passover observance this year, consider reflecting on the Ten Plagues of Inequality or one of the resources from Repair the World or the American Jewish World Service.
Virtual Events
Despite the fact that not a single woman is mentioned in the Haggadah, no less than five brave women open the Exodus story in the Torah. Join the National Council for Jewish Women on April 7 for Resistance Lessons from the Heroines of the Passover Story.
Students from across the country are joining NYU in their annual Queer Seder on April 9 at 8 pm EST. All are welcome. Join the Zoom call here.
Calendar
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