Unable to fly to Chicago for Passover with my family this year and too far of a drive to my friends’ annual Seder, I was stricken by the thought of not being able to celebrate my favorite holiday. Of course, this is the era of technology, so it did cross my mind to have someone Skype me in to my family’s Seder via iPad, lean me against the cup of Elijah and entertain me with tales of the Exodus from Egypt and a lively rendition of Had Gadya.
But then I’d still be alone at a table in my condo, sans Mom’s matzo ball soup, hours before my husband is due home from work. It wouldn’t matter if I was reclining with my dog in my lap, dipping celery in saltwater with my family on screen—something about this idea didn’t sit right with me and made me want to spill a little saltwater of my own. In my heart, Passover is meant to be celebrated in the same room, surrounded by family. And in L.A., where I’ve resided for 10 years, my friends are my family.
So this year, I am hosting my very own Seder, and though I’m jazzed enough to do a Charlie Brown-style jig, it’s also a daunting task. There will be 9 of us total. What will I make? Will there be room in the oven? And the biggest question of all—where will I find a Haggadah?
Having hosted Thanksgiving for 12 a couple of years ago, I’ve been brushing these thoughts aside. If I can handle a turkey, stuffing, yams and biscuits, why not matzo ball soup, charoset, kishka and chopped liver? But I know as the day grows closer, so will my anxiety. And let’s face it: hosting Passover can cost a pretty penny when you’re feeding more than your usual brood.
So when my co-worker forwarded me a link about Birthright Israel alumni being able to register Seders they are hosting for their friends in exchange for resources and partial reimbursement of cost, I was immediately intrigued.
NEXT: A Division of Birthright Israel connects young adults who have returned from Birthright (even years before, like me) to a massive alumni community in which they can participate in events and opportunities to remain active in Jewish life. Any Birthright Israel alumni that are planning on hosting a Seder for their friends on the first or second night of Passover and register with NEXT through April 14th are eligible to receive resources and a small stipend to help them create a meaningful experience for their peers.
According to a recent article on eJewish Philanthropy, more than 1,000 NEXT Passover Seders have been held since 2011. Whether participants wish to throw a traditional Seder like their families’ or something more contemporary (like a YouTube Seder) is entirely up to them.
Young adults are constantly juggling jobs, gym time and active social lives—while many of us want to host and celebrate holidays like Passover, we don’t necessarily have the time (or the instinct) to plan that far in advance, research Haggadahs or figure out how we’re going to pay for all the K for P ingredients we need. During a 5-minute registration process that offers an incentive, resources and quick links, we alumni can easily participate in Jewish life in our own ways. Young adults can even register a Shabbat dinner!
Though I’m still hoping to go home for Passover next year, it’s comforting to know that I’ll now have one Passover Seder under my belt to help me plan again. And similarly, my other friends who may not have had anywhere to go for the holiday can come to my house, eat my food without completely emptying my bank account, and we can celebrate together as family.
Who knew that Birthright Israel was the gift that keeps on giving—at Passover, no less?
