Sharing the Story of Passover

Every year at the Passover Seder we tell the story of Passover. This is one of the highlights of most Seder meals. One of the reasons that we tell the story at the Seder is for our children who attend the Seder meals. This tradition of telling the Passover story at the Seders ensures that this story will be passed along from generation to generation.

 While we did have some children join us at our Passover Seders at Handmaker, we also had a large number of people who attended who were in their 80’s, 90’s and even over 100 who have probably heard the story at least that many times in their lives. And while they certainly know the story well, they never tire of hearing it. Hearing it again every year helps them to remember it, and to remember Seders from their childhood, adulthood and in later years. And, of course, it is tradition!

Since a large number of our employees at Handmaker are not Jewish, Passover gives us the opportunity to share our story with them as well. There is a staff training every year in the weeks leading up to Passover so that our staff can learn about what Passover is, partly so that they can better understand our special food restrictions during this time of year. The servers who work at the Seders also get the added bonus of hearing the story of Passover along with our residents as it is told at the Seder. They have many questions, of course, and that is especially appropriate at this time of year.

All visitors to Handmaker during Passover also get somewhat acquainted with Passover, since they cannot bring in any outside food or drinks during Passover. And everyone who is staying at Handmaker during Passover gets a taste for Matzah and other foods of Passover, because that is what is served here. Many of them shared concerns for what they would be served during Passover, but those that I have spoken to really enjoyed learning about Passover and tasting some of the Passover foods. Although, gefilte fish is really an acquired taste.

After making Matzah Brei with residents earlier this week, I was pushing a cart of Matzah down the hall. There were several pharmacy students sitting on a bench visiting with one of our residents. When I stopped to chat, I told them what I had been making, and they looked at me blankly. It turns out they did not know what Passover was, and had never heard of or tasted Matzah. They were treated to the story of Passover, as well as a few pieces of Matzah. I think that they enjoyed them both.

So, during this time of year, we should tell the Passover story of to our children, but we cannot forget to tell the story to others around us as well. For everyone can benefit from hearing the story.

Hope that you and your families enjoyed a wonderful Passover!