Ways To Celebrate Passover 2021 In Charlotte Metro

CHARLOTTE, NC — Passover, the major Jewish holiday that marks the Hebrews’ deliverance from slavery and return to Israel, begins this week, with opportunities to celebrate virtually and in the Charlotte metro.

The Seder is the traditional meal each night of Passover, which begins at sundown Saturday and will end at nightfall on Sunday, April 4. For the second year in a row, many families are turning to technology to help celebrate the dinner together due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In Charlotte, Chabad of Charlotte is hosting numerous events, from Operation Matzah, a teen seder to services through the weekend. Temple Israel is hosting a virtual 2nd Night Community Seder on Sunday, March 28 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., following Temple Beth El's virtual Festival Morning Service Sunday morning that will include singing of Hallel. Kosher foods may also be ordered online from Kosher Charlotte.

Seder meal celebrations in many communities, such as Laguna Beach, California, remain small one year into the pandemic as restaurants are promoting their to-go meals. There, Gelson’s restaurants are offering the traditional Seder fare including beef brisket, sides of matzo balls and a gefilte fish with horseradish.

Passover is celebrated over several days to mark the time God “passed over” the Israelites during the final days of the 10 plagues. Many of the country’s largest synagogues are holding Zoom Seders of their own.

Central Synagogue in New York City has a family Seder led by Rabbi Rebecca Rosenthal and Jeremy Sipe set for Saturday night on Zoom. The Seder will last for about an hour and include readings from the Haggadah, the Jewish text traditionally ready at a Seder, before families log off and continue the celebration at home.

The Temple Sinai reform congregation in Reno, Nevada, is among the others that will air a livestream of their Saturday night Seder.