Hosting a humanistic, traditional Passover celebration in a virtual world

Rabbi Howard S. Herman DD

As our world becomes more digital, when it comes to celebrating Jewish holidays, the challenge of maintaining the essence of traditional celebrations like Passover becomes increasingly significant. Passover, our time-honored celebration of freedom, is rich with rituals, stories and family gatherings. Despite the shift towards virtual interactions, it is possible to preserve the humanistic, familial and traditional aspects of this meaningful celebration.

One of the key strategies for maintaining a traditional Passover celebration in a virtual world is to embrace the technologies available. Video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet allow families and friends to come together virtually, regardless of geographic distances. The following are some simple steps.

Virtual Seder – host a virtual Seder where participants join from their respective homes. Assign different parts of the Haggadah to various family members, ensuring everyone has a role and feels involved.

Shared digital resources – utilize digital Haggadot and other Passover resources that can be shared over screens. Websites and apps dedicated to the celebration of Passover can offer inventive interactive and engaging ways to follow our important traditions.

Pre-meal prep – coordinate with family members to prepare the same recipes in different kitchens. Share the cooking process virtually, making it a collective, engaging experience.

“Despite the shift towards virtual interactions, it is possible to preserve the humanistic, familial and traditional aspects of this meaningful celebration.”

Even in a virtual setting, the humanistic aspects of Passover can be preserved by fostering connection, empathy and shared experiences:

• Emphasize storytelling, a core element of Passover. Encourage family members to share personal stories of liberation and perseverance, drawing parallels to the biblical Exodus story.

• Engage everyone in rituals such as the four questions, the breaking of the middle matzah, the ritual of Miriam’s Cup, and the search for the afikomen. These activities can be done in a way that involves all participants, even via a screen.

• Use the Social Justice Readings on the Four Cups. With each cup of wine, these readings ask us to think about our own ability to create redemptive change in the world.

• We can also introduce thoughtful questions like these:

1. Traditionally, wine is intended to signify joy. What makes this Seder joyful for you?

2. Freedom is the primary theme of Passover, what freedom are you celebrating tonight?

3. Four is a key number in the Haggadah. Can you name some things in your life that have come in fours?

• While physical hugs may not be possible, virtual hugs and toasts can create a real sense of closeness. Raise a glass together to celebrate freedom and unity.

Passover is a time for family, and maintaining these important bonds is crucial. Here are some ways to ensure the celebration remains familial:

• Involve grandparents, parents and children in the virtual Seder. This helps pass down traditions and stories, reinforcing family connections.

• Share family photos and memories related to past Passovers. This can be done through a virtual slideshow or by simply holding pictures up to the camera.

• Singing traditional Passover songs together, even virtually, can enhance the sense of unity and joy. Create a shared playlist and sing along.

The traditional practices of Passover, from the foods eaten to the prayers recited, can still be upheld in a virtual celebration. Encourage each household to set their table with the Seder plate and all necessary ritual items. This creates a shared visual experience, even via electronic screens.

Maintain the traditional order of the Seder, using the Haggadah as a guide. Assign different sections to various participants, in different places, to read aloud.

Share recipes (perhaps family recipes) in advance so everyone has the same traditional foods, from matzah ball soup to charoset, enhancing the sense of shared experience.

While the virtual world presents challenges, it also offers opportunities to innovate and keep traditions alive. By embracing technology, fostering human connections, preserving familial bonds and honoring traditional practices, we can ensure that our Passover celebrations remain meaningful, humanistic and deeply rooted in tradition, no matter the distance.

May you have a zissen Pesach.

Rabbi Howard S. Herman DD serves at Naples Jewish Congregation.