Pesach is a highlight of the Jewish year, but what makes it memorable for you? 

Kisharon staff and volunteers agreed that sharing Seder with family and friends were some of the best moments of Pesach. Rabbi Shalom Zaiden, Kisharon’s Mashgiach, said his own Seders were fit for a king. “My favourite part is coming home to a house that is spotlessly clean with a starched white tablecloth on the long table. Places are set with sparkling plates, glasses and silver cutlery. Candles are lit and the matzot and seder plate are ready. For this night we are the Royal Family.”

Stepping back in time and using dishes from years gone by were favourite Pesach experiences for others. Volunteer Sarah Adler has kitchenware first used in her grandparents’ home more than 100 years ago. In those days pans were made to last because Sarah still makes her chicken soup in their stock pot – which she cooks in her oven all night long.

Seeing loved presents again is the most magical part of the festival for JWeb’s Anna Perceval. “My beautiful Seder dishes have been special gifts over the years,” she said.

For others, it’s Pesach food that matters most. Payroll and Finance Assistant Hazel Irving spoke lovingly of her late grandmother’s Almond Macaroons. “They have to be soft and chewy in the middle and harder outside. Also we have blackcherry jam. I don’t know why, but in our family it’s still called daddy’s jam.”

Supported Living Cook Golda Halberstadt said her Sedorim were the highlight of Pesach. Her family ate matza brei for breakfast and passed round chocolates before Ma Nishtana. “This is the only time we eat chocolate before a meal!”

An unconventional custom of adding chrain (horseradish sauce with beetroot) to chicken soup is a Pesach family custom for Projects Coordinator Colin Spanjar. “This is a Dutch tradition but tends to freak people out if they have never seen it before,” he admitted.

The work involved in preparing for Pesach plays heavy on the minds of many. Asked about his favourite part of Pesach, Colin said: “It’s when it’s over! Not because I don’t enjoy it, but because of the hassle it causes and the hard work that my wife has to endure.”

His views were echoed by Chief Executive Richard Franklin, who, asked what he loves most about Pesach, said: “Bedikas Chametz – because it means the cleaning is over!”

Whatever Pesach highlight is your own, enjoy it and we wish you chag kasher v’sameach!