Passover During a War OR Passover Simplified

Someone recently asked me if I was planning to run my pre-Passover challenge this year. Honestly, it had not even crossed my mind.

Between getting stuck in New York, spending Purim away from my family, running to the safe room throughout the day and night, and the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming holiday, I simply had not gone there.

While I may not be offering a challenge this year, I do want to share some thoughts on how to approach Passover a little differently than usual. And even if you are not living through a war, but are craving a simpler holiday this year, this is for you too.

1. Make this holiday less about the cleaning and more about the content.

Spend time thinking about creative ideas for the seder (Chat GPT is awesome for this), researching places you can visit during the holiday that are close to home and have a safe room, and focusing on family and quality time together. Since many of us have already had a lot of togetherness in recent weeks, the goal now is to shift gears and bring in more fun.

2. Make FUN a priority.

The lead-up to Passover can be stressful in any year, and this year it feels especially intense. Let fun become part of the plan for the days before Passover, for the seder, and for Chol Hamoed. Think family games, karaoke, dance parties, and anything else that gets people laughing. It does not need to be fancy or complicated. Even cleaning can feel lighter with the right attitude, a family challenge, or a reward (again, Chat GPT can give you some great ideas for this).

3. Get everyone involved.

Create a daily plan that includes each member of the family. And if you do not have kids at home, create one for yourself. Include what needs to get done, but also make sure there is something relaxing or enjoyable built into every single day. This holiday is about freedom. Do not turn the preparation into slavery.

4. Keep the food simple.

Especially this year. Make straightforward dishes with fewer ingredients. Save the elaborate recipes for another time. Think in terms of food groups rather than the number of dishes. Simple is more than enough right now.

5. Take as many shortcuts as you need.

Use paper goods, disposable pans, pre-prepped vegetable blends, and consider whether you really need to take out every Passover utensil and gadget. The simpler you make things now, the easier cleanup will be later too.

6. Clean only what actually needs to be cleaned for Passover.

Spring cleaning can wait this year. I know, I also love using this season as a chance to get my house in order, but this year is different. Focus on the essentials. It really can be done in several hours to a day.

7. Invite meaningful conversation.

Encourage your kids or friends to think about how the story of Passover connects to our current reality and share their thoughts at the seder. Or open up those conversations at some point during the holiday. They likely have lots to share and it is a good opportunity for them to express some of what they are going through. 

8. Focus on gratitude.

Even during deeply challenging times, there is still so much to be grateful for. Start a gratitude journal and write in it daily. It can help anchor you throughout the day and throughout the holiday. You can even invite everyone at the table to share something they are grateful for. This sets the tone for the meal and after.

9. Prioritize your health, both physical and emotional.

Drink your water. Start the day with a nourishing, protein-rich breakfast. Move your body every day. Check in with yourself throughout the day, and when you notice stress or anxiety rising, pause. Breathe deeply. Shake out the tension. Dance it out. These small things really help.

10. Get outside every single day.

Even for a few minutes. Feel the sun on your face, get your heart pumping, and breathe in some fresh air. Even on an overcast day, it can make a huge difference.

I hope some of these ideas help you approach Passover with a little more ease, intention, and gentleness this year.

Wishing you and your family a meaningful and peaceful Passover.

Praying for quieter and more peaceful days ahead.