The essence of any Passover Seder is the story. We gather around our tables to dine together, reflect on a history from thousands of years ago, and think about the freedoms (and struggles) of today. At OneTable, we’re ready to help you plan for the what, how, who, and where for your Seder to make it feel authentic, elevated, and your very own. However you choose to celebrate, you’re invited and OneTable is here to help! Apply now to be a OneTable host (if you’re not already!) to receive Nourishment for a OneTable Passover Seder.

This year, Passover starts in the evening on April 15 with the first Seder, continues on April 16 at the second Seder, and carries on through the following week. It’s a holiday to commemorate and celebrate the Jewish people’s journey from Egypt.

Of course, from that Rugrats episode to the instant-classic Saturday Night Seder in 2020, there are all sorts of creative spins on the traditional story. While the style and format of gatherings changed in the last two years, we still found ways to hold tradition in one hand while the pandemic changed many of our preferred ways to celebrate. We did drop-offs with family and friends for a potluck exchange before we hopped on Zoom. And, at the end of last year’s half in-person and half online experiences, we hoped for “Next Year Fully in Person.”

As with any tradition, it builds and builds from one generation to the next. So, this Passover, what can you borrow from the traditions of the past two years as you set a new intention for 2022? How might you discover how the Passover story connects to your story, right here and right now, in this moment?

Your Story: What’s the story you’re connecting to and sharing? How do we remember, share, and re-tell that story?

Whether you flip back to the Haggadah stack or go off script, think about a story that’s important to you and how you would want to share that story with others. You can build from the wisdom of the Passover story, talk about your family tree, or think back to what the world has been through over the past two years. That oral history is just as much a part of the Passover Seder and you can find creative ways to share those memories with others.

Your Plate: What are the recipes that you’ll bring to your Seder? What Passover props will you add and what do they represent?

The Seder plate has some built-in objects for storytelling and you can add props that have a special meaning for you. Perhaps you could ask your guests to bring objects that represent something of themselves. Or, they could cook up one of many charoset varieties and other dishes to bring in the story of their families or another culture. If you gathered virtually last year and found new ways to convey the five senses, find ways to add those into this year’s Seder to welcome everyone. Look at all the ways William Matthews describes the many layers in his poem Onions!

Your People: Who are your people? How do you want to invite them and gather this year in a way that makes sure everyone feels comfortable?

In the past couple years, we made compromises for how we were able to safely gather and who we could invite. Host friends, partners, and family, and consider someone else you can invite. With a little more flexibility and a heap of radical hospitality, or hachnasat orchim, we can make our Seders even more welcoming.

Your Table: What is at your table? How might you share with others how they are a part of your story?

Set the scene. With extra pizazz, a table gets transformed into a central gathering spot for daily dining and elegant meals. Let’s make this the year where we can re-open our tables a little bit more, add the extra leaf or take out the folding table. We might prefer celebrating in one way, but there doesn’t have to be a proper way, especially when we find ways to fill the holiday and our cups with joy or oneg.

Wherever you plan to gather, please continue to put your health and the health of others first. You got this and you can make this Passover your Passover!