5 Ideas to Make Passover Easier

For some reason many of my friends just do not like Passover. I will grant you that Pesach requires a lot of preparation, but with a little planning it can be one of the highlights of your Jewish year. Here are five simple suggestions to make your Passover celebration a little easier and much more enjoyable.

1. Eat more fruits and vegetables

Most people I know miss this one. Eating all unleavened products reduces the amount of fiber in the diet. To make the week more, shall I say, comfortable you have to increase fiber from other sources. Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables will solve the problem. My family eats better during Pesach than any other time of the year!

Fresh fruits & vegetables do not require kosher certification.

2. Enjoy the whole eight days of Passover

Plan lots of family time. Visit relatives that you haven't seen for a while. Play Passover games with your children. Accept an invitation to seder or Shabbos dinner. On the intermediate days, play holiday songs instead of the usual secular fare. Plan on having fun! Make the week specia!!

3. Learn something new

There are classes, books, CDs, on line resources and many other opportunities to find out more about Passover. Find out about different customs that other families may have. Find a new recipe. Learn a new tune to a familiar Pesach song of prayer. Variety and tradition work together to make the holiday interesting and enjoyable.

What's on your seder plate?

4. Relax

I cannot count the number of people I know who stress over Passover. The cleaning, removing the chometz, the menu, the seder, who to invite... Of course there is a lot to do. Try to take life - including Passover - in stride. Have your children, spouse, or friends help with the preparations. Sharing the responsibilities not only reduces stress but strengthens relationships as well.

5. Plan ahead

After the holiday make a note of what you and your family enjoyed most. Be sure to include these things in you planning for next year. Also note what didn't work. As the year passes be "on the look out" for ways to improve the things that weren't so enjoyable. Make a list of what needs to be done and set dates to work on this list. By organizing yourself  ahead of time you will be free to enjoy the holiday.

With only a little effort and planning you will find, as I have, that Passover is an enjoyable, meaningful, happy time for everyone. Check the links below to start finding something new to add to your celebration. From our family to yours, Hag kasher v'sameach! A happy and kosher Pesach!

Related Links:
Passover Recipes (A wonderful variety!)
"Making Your Seder Memorable" (My Jewish Learning)
Passover Games and Crafts for Kids (Kosher4Passsover)
Passover Song for the Family (You Tube)
Passover Seder Music (traditional)