KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Passover is tomorrow and every year, the day before Passover is always busy with people making last minute runs to get and prepare food for the special Seder dinner. But this year's Passover will be dramatically different because of the COVID-19 crisis.
Instead of being seated at beautiful dining room tables surrounded by family, the Jewish faithful are making reservations for a virtual dining experience.
Rick Hellman is the former Editor of the Jewish Chronicle in Kansas City. He typically has 15 or 20 friends and family in his home for Seder dinner. Not this year.
"I've sent everybody a couple of zoom invites. We're going to be meeting for Seder dinner in zoom at 6 p.m. instead of in my home," Hellman said.
Passover commemorates the Jews being released from slavery in Egypt. According to scripture, they were freed after a series of plagues fell upon Egypt.
Rabbi David Glickman, of the Congregation Beth Shalom in Overland Park, told me the over-riding theme in ancient times is still relevant--as we face the deadly threat of the coronavirus.
"How do we live in times of plagues? What can we do to free ourselves and free others? Most importantly, what are we going to learn from this experience? How is this going to improve humanity and how will we come out better on the other side?" Rabbi Glickman said.
"And I think that this is a gigantic call to us for humanity to unite in keeping each other safe," the Rabbi added.
But there is sadness that centuries-old traditions of gathering in community and family are on hold.
"Of course it's disappointing; I want to be with everybody," Hellman said. "I haven't hugged my mom and dad, my elderly parents in how many weeks now."
But the Jewish faith also teaches hope.
"So, we're all trying to stay strong for others if not for ourselves, and I think that's really the right thing to do," Hellman said.
Rabbi Glickman also believes the experience will yield something positive.
"My blessing for this Passover, is that even though it's imperfect, we're able to get to its essence and we're able to find freedom for ourselves and also help others find freedom in their lives," Rabbi Glickman added.
