This year, IRL

While most Jewish people gather for Passover Seders simultaneously, every Seder is unique. So how do you plan a Seder that feels authentic, elevated, and your very own ?

Before we turn things over to you, just a little bit about us. Inspired by ancient Jewish wisdom, OneTable is a national non-profit–with branches across the country including in Chicago–that empowers folks (ages 21-39ish) to find, share, and enjoy Shabbat dinners and Passover Seders.

While we improvised the styles and formats of our Seders these last two years, we thankfully were still able to hold them. We did drop-offs with family and friends for a potluck exchange before we hopped on Zoom. And, at the end of last year’s hybrid experiences, we hoped for “Next Year Fully in Person.”

As with any tradition, it builds from one generation to the next. This Passover, many of us are–finally–back to gathering in person for Seders. What can we borrow from the traditions of the past two years as we set a new intention for 2022? How might we discover how the Passover story connects to our story in this moment?

Your Story: What’s the story you’re connecting to? How do you remember and share it?

Whether you stick to the Haggadah text or go off-script, think about a story that’s important to you and how you would want to share it with others. You can build from the wisdom of the Passover story, talk about your family tree, or think back to what the world has been through over the past two years. That oral history is just as much a part of the Passover Seder as the Haggadah, and you can find creative ways to share it with others.

Your Plate: What are the recipes that you’ll bring to your Seder? What Passover props will you add and what do they represent?

The Seder plate has some built-in objects for storytelling, and you can add props that have a special meaning for you. Perhaps you could ask your guests to bring objects that represent something important to them. Or they could cook up one of the infinite charoset varieties to bring in the story of their families or another culture. If you gathered virtually last year and found new ways to convey the five senses, find ways to add those into this year’s Seder to welcome everyone.

Your People: Who are your people? How do you want to invite them and gather in a way that makes sure everyone feels comfortable?

In the past couple of years, we made compromises in order to be able to gather safely. This year, in addition to hosting friends, partners, and family, consider someone else you can invite. With a little more flexibility and a heap of radical hospitality, or hachnasat orchim , we can make our Seders even more welcoming.

Your Table: How might you share with others how they are a part of your story?

Set the scene. With extra pizazz, a table gets transformed into a central gathering spot for daily dining and elegant meals. Let’s make this the year where we can re-open our tables a little bit more, add the extra leaf, or take out the folding table. We might prefer celebrating in one way, but there doesn’t have to be a proper way, especially when we find ways to fill the holiday and our cups with joy–or oneg .

Wherever you plan to gather, please continue to put your health and the health of others first. You got this–and you can make this Passover your Passover!

To learn more about OneTable, visit onetable.org . To find a Seder that’s right for you, or to get inspired to host your own, visit onetable.org/passover

OneTable receives an annual allocation from JUF for its work in Chicago.