Pesachs 2020-2026
Felicia Graber
Looking through my Pesach (Passover) notes, I could not believe that this is the sixth year that my husband, Howard, and I are spending Pesach at home, just the two of us!
When we were moving to Baltimore in 2012, I gave away all my Pesach dishes, pans and other utensils. I had no intention of ever making Pesach in the small kitchen I would have here.
This worked fine for the next eight years as we spent the Sedarim with our children and went to a hotel for the rest of Yom Tov (holiday).
Then came the COVID-19 stay-at-home order on March 23, 2020. As Passover commenced on April 8 that year, we had no choice but to make the necessary adjustments for a Pesach at home. Due to my limited storage, I made Yom Tov a disposable paper and plastic event. Fortunately, I was able to order prepared kosher-for-Passover food here in Baltimore. I kashered my fridge, freezer, stove, oven and kitchen counters. Kosher for Passover is different than everyday kosher. It involves getting rid of all leavened products or kitchen utensils used with leavened products. I also bought new essential kitchen utensils like a can opener, a screwdriver, serving spoons and steak knives, etc.
All food and Pesach utensils were stored on a six-foot table in our dining room.
My kitchen cabinets were taped with colored tape, and we had regular Sedarim with my husband officiating.
The COVID stay-at-home order ended on May 15, 2020.
The next year, Pesach 2021, Howard was not well enough to either spend the night at our children’s, nor to travel to a hotel. So, I bought some additional utensils, managed to cook a few dishes and we managed as in 2020.
Beginning in 2022, Howard’s health declined even more, and I had to assist during the Sedarim. In the following three years 2023-2025, we followed the same pattern.
This year will be the same; I bought more utensils again. I keep buying additional necessities, ordering some prepared dishes but will do a little more cooking with the help of available “oven-ready” dishes from the local kosher markets.
With G-d’s help I hope to do the same next year.
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