With Passover just around the corner, you may be wondering how you can celebrate this Passover with your loved ones. For families that have a loved one who resides in a retirement community, you can bring the holiday to them by preparing a seder in their retirement community or simply joining them for a special Passover meal in their community! Here are some tips for celebrating Passover with your loved ones.
What is Passover?
For many Jewish families, Passover is an important occasion where they hold a feast for 8 days, commemorating the freedom of Jewish slaves from Egypt in ancient times. It’s an occasion where they come together to partake in ceremonies that allow them to relive their ancestors’ journey to freedom. This year, the festival will take place from April 15 through April 23, offering families lots of opportunities to get together and honor their ancestry.
During the traditional Passover dinner, the Passover story is told and even acted out. Bitter herbs are consumed to “taste” the bitterness that the Israelites experienced as slaves. Passover is a moment for Jews to remember not only their history but also the hardship of others and those who are oppressed today.
Hold a Seder
Seders are the highlight of Passover for all family members. For your loved ones who have moved into a retirement community, they may miss participating in family rituals and handing down traditions to future generations. You can still celebrate Passover by gathering your family and relatives for a seder at a retirement community. You might have to inquire with the administrators about renting a formal private dining area to accommodate all family members in one location.
What to Prepare
Before you begin packing for the seder, you can inquire about the dining room the retirement community can provide. They may have grape juice or wine on hand, as well as matzah – a flat, unleavened bread eaten by Jews during this period to commemorate their forefathers who had to flee Egypt in a hurry that they did not have enough time to leaven their bread.
You are welcome to bring bitter herbs and matzah to remember the cruelty of Jewish servitude in Egypt. As is customary, you should prepare red wine or grape juice for the family to consume. Your loved one may want to recite the Haggadah, a book used as a guide to the Passover seder. The book includes the service’s sequence and the tale of the Exodus from Egypt. If you think that they would have trouble reading it, you can opt to bring a copy and propose that the younger ones read some parts aloud. It can be a great way to get the whole family involved.
Experience Exquisite Senior Living at Mariposa
At Mariposa, we offer resort-style amenities and senior living options that are tailored to your specific needs. From fun activities such as Bingo to our exclusive and all-inclusive health and wellness program, you’ll enjoy living your best life here! To learn more about our exclusive assisted living programs, do contact us today!