How to have a fun, memorable Jewish Passover Seder in 2021
Why I’m hosting a different kind of Seder this year
Last year, Passover was different than all other years.
My family only had the energy for one Seder, not our usual two. My grandma wasn’t with us, and she struggled with Zoom. I made a brisket not knowing I was using corned beef. I ate my emotions in homemade noodle kugel, toffee matzah, and (chametz-free) chocolate lava cake for days.
This year we are still in the midst of a pandemic, but at least we’re more prepared. So, I decided to get ahead of it and plan a fun Passover. I’m a writer, and I hosted a very successful virtual Bachelorette party over the summer. I wrote my own Haggadah (available to all as a digital download) and I’m hosting a virtual Seder open to all. Here are some of my tips for a fun, memorable Passover, no matter how you celebrate.
1. Change up the way you always do Passover
This is the second year we are planning virtual Seders and celebrations. After a full year of virtual holidays, put your own spin on the holiday or use a new resource to change things up and give people something to look forward to. Let a new family member take the reins and host the Seder; if you’re a family, try acting it out; or put away the old Haggadah and try a new one.
For example, I wrote and illustrated my own Haggadah. It’s a short version of the Passover story with relatable pandemic references and a few jokes. For example, instead of “the death of the firstborn”, the pandemic plague is spending every waking hour with your firstborn. We aren’t hiding the Afikomen, we’re quarantining it. Humor always improves a virtual event. Plus, it’s short and simple, which is something we can all use right now.
I collaborated with friends in France and Israel on the project, and it was interesting for us to all hear how we celebrate the holiday where we are. Since most people are remote, it’s a great time to include international friends or relatives in your celebration or swap holiday tips. You could even add new items to the Seder plate, like an extra cup of wine for Miriam to honor women and an orange for the LGBTQ+ community.
Haggadot.com is a great place to make your own Haggadah easily or find others. And here are other tips for hosting a virtual gathering.
2. Join a group Passover event
After a LOT of family time during the pandemic, celebrating Passover with others safely could be a great relief (especially on night two). I am producing an entertaining, interactive virtual Seder this year. We’ll bring the story to life with a musician and comedian. Also check with your local community groups, temples, JCC, OneTable, even Eventbrite for other virtual events. There are so many Seder events or events around Passover.
Here are a few Passover events to explore:
Funny Virtual Passover Seder, Don’t FUHAGGADAHBOUDIT, March 28, 6 pm ET: Have fun on the second night of Seder with a hilarious, modern re-telling of the classic Passover story in NYC.
Jew Belong Seders, both nights, 7 pm ET: Don’t miss BURNING MAN-ISCHEWITZ: JewBelong’s Virtual Passover Seder! Two live showings!
Passover House Party, April 1, 6 p.m. (PT): Your hosts with the Moses: we’re teaming up with adult summer camp whizzes Trybal Gatherings to make six holiday party rooms! Join our celebration of renewal, tradition, and connection and choose your own adventure to meet new people in L.A.’s virtual backyard.
Potato, Quajado! Where Sephardi Meets Ashkenazi in the Passover Kitchen, March 22, 7–8:15 pm ET: Join The Gefilteria’s Jeffrey Yoskowitz and Liz Alpern and guest chef Susan Barocas for a pre-Passover evening of cooking, sharing stories, and talking global Jewish recipes.
3. Use technology to make Passover engaging
One advantage of bringing a virtual element to this holiday is that it gives us creative opportunities to connect and make the story accessible to everyone. While leading the Seder, present a PowerPoint with images, embed a YouTube song, or show a relevant TikTok. And think of ways to make the Seder interactive to keep everyone engaged. You can assign parts ahead of time and ask people to dress up or even gamify it with sites like JackBox, PollEverywhere, Headsup, etc. For example, use a game to replace the afikomen competition. And there are plenty of digital resources out there, OneTable and URJ have some.
Plus, Passover doesn’t have to end after one Seder or event. You can follow up with guests, friends, or family with a Chametz-free accountability group chat, share a social justice pledge, or meet up again to virtually break bread. You can even save a recording of your Seder and follow up with everyone with a highlight reel.
Even those Passover is more different than ever, you can still have a meaningful, beautiful holiday.
See my Passover program at www.danielleindoodles.com/fun-passover.
