Passover comes early this year, beginning the evening of Saturday, March 27 and running through the evening of Sunday, April 4. This year, the holiday also coincides with the ramping up of the COVID-19 vaccination program — what is hopefully, a light at the end of a dark, scary tunnel.
“Last spring, we all hoped and assumed we would only spend one Passover over Zoom. Here we are, a year later, still navigating the pandemic,” said Addie Lewis Klein, director of community engagement at the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. “Our community has celebrated a full cycle of Jewish holidays with creativity, resilience and resourcefulness.”
Passover will likely still look different for most of us this year. Check out
jewishphilly.org/passover to see the many activities and resources available to help you have a meaningful festival of liberation.
“There are many resources available for you to host a small, safe Passover celebration this spring,” Lewis Klein continued. “Next year may we all be together in Philadelphia and in Jerusalem.”
The Jewish Federation is proud to partner with the following agencies to build Jewish life in a new way during the pandemic.
Activities for Kids and Families
Teach the story of Passover to your kids, and pass down the traditions and lessons we have all shared for generations.
PJ Library Passover
To make your seder as simple as possible, don’t miss PJ Library’s Step-by-Step Seder video playlist, featuring the 15 steps of a seder. You can follow along with the PJ Library Family Haggadah using its short, sweet cheat sheet, or check out their podcasts, crafts and more.
Whole Community Inclusion Passover Fun
Sunday, March 21 from 1-1:30 p.m.
Join Jewish Learning Venture for Passover activities for kids of all abilities. Enjoy music, story time and a fun craft to get ready for Passover. An ASL interpreter will be present.
Get Help Putting on a Seder
There are so many ways to create a DIY seder. Here are some helpful resources to get started.
Chabad Seder in a Box
Delco Pickup: Thursday, March 25 from noon-6 p.m.
Montco Pickup: Various daytime dates beginning Tuesday, March 23
Chabads across the area are making sure that everyone has what they need to celebrate the holiday. Montgomery County, Delaware County and other chapters are offering kits with everything needed to host your own seder — but supplies are limited so sign up today. Check in with your local Chabad to find out more information about its Seder in a Box availability.
18Doors Resource Guide (formerly Interfaith Family)
Take a look at its Passover resource guide written specifically with interfaith couples and families in mind. The cheat sheet provides quick reference information about the holiday and ideas for how to approach it as an interfaith family.
Resources for 20s and 30s
Celebrating the holiday as a young adult has never been easier with these virtual and contactless options.
Jewish Grad Network’s Pre-Passover Shabbox or Reimbursement Option
Center City Pickup: Friday, March 26 from 3-5 p.m.
Sign up to receive a Shabbox kit to have a Shabbat and Passover experience at home. The boxes include a seder plate and matzah, and will be available for pickup in Center City (address will be emailed to registrants). You can also opt to buy your own items and get reimbursed up to $50 for Passover food per household. Register to pick up your Shabbox or submit your receipts and information online for reimbursement of eligible expenses.
Passover Crafts with Moishe House
Thursday, March 18 from 7-8 p.m.
Join Moishe House for part two of its Passover virtual art series, this time to draw and paint custom seder plates together. You can reserve and pick up one of its craft kits or grab your own supplies and join them on Zoom. Details for pick up will be shared upon registration.
