We all know Pesach in Israel is very different than it is abroad. Here are six specific examples of why it’s great to celebrate the holiday of freedom in Israel.
1. One Seder
Who doesn’t look forward to the first night of Pesach? There’s nothing like reliving the story of Yitziyat Mitzrayim, biting into a Hillel sandwich and singing Chad Gadya after that fourth glass of wine. When there’s just one seder, you’ll make it extra meaningful and appreciate every detail. You’ll prepare a few types of charoset, repeat every Dayenu chorus at least once if not twice, and eat without abandon until it’s Afikomen time. With one seder, there’s no need to worry how you’ll stay up–and store so much food in your fridge. In Israel, once the first seder ends, you’ll just enjoy savoring the memory.
2. Simple Shopping Spree
In Israel, there’s no need to shuttle from grocery store to grocery store, picking through overpriced products in Kosher for Pesach aisles. Once Purim ends, Israeli supermarkets and paper good stores are ready for Pesach, with everything you need is right in front of you. Even the eggs are each stamped kasher l’Pesach! There’s an abundance of both kitniyot and kitnyot-free items available, just be sure to read the labels closely!
3. K for P Restaurants
Run out of leftovers from your one and only seder? No problem! Leave the cooking to someone else for a while. Many of Israel’s restaurants undergo a Pesach makeover, kashering their kitchens and serving their delicious dishes chametz-free. Sit outside, soak up Israel’s springtime sun, and marvel at how easy it is to keep kosher in Israel all year round.
4. Fun for the Family
Because schools are on break and many offices are closed, Chol HaMoed is filled with hundreds of activities for the entire family–from festivals to hikes to concerts. Some great places to check out include: Shvil Hasalat, the Salad Trail, which includes a greenhouse tour, vegetable picking and a fruit maze; Ramat Gan Safari, central Israel’s zoo; and the Fairy Tale Festival at Ein Hemed National Park. Also, many museums throughout Israel have free entrance during Chol Hamoed, including the Diaspora Museum, The Menachem Begin Heritage Center, the Negev Art Museum, and more.
5. Birkat Kohanim
One of the most inspiring moments of the Pesach experience is the mass Birkat Kohanim (priestly blessing) held every year at the Kotel on the second day of Chol HaMoed. Hundreds of Kohanim bless the crowd from the front of the plaza, and tens of thousands of people come to experience this unique happening. Not only is this a chance to relive the Mitzvah of Aliyah La’regel en masse with thousands of other Jews, experiencing the priestly blessing on such a massive scale is a very exciting and inspiring moment.
6. “L’Shana Haba’ah”
What’s the best part of celebrating Pesach in Israel? At the end of the seder, when you say “Next year in Jerusalem,” you’ll really mean it. No matter where you live in Israel, Jerusalem is a short drive away. So, if you’re planning to make Aliyah in 2016, savor those words. They’re finally coming true!
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