Choosing Passover Programs

Passover is a special time of year, not only to celebrate the Jewish holiday but also to spend quality time with family. It is a springtime festival of rebirth and renewal that commemorates the Jewish people’s escape from slavery in Egypt 3,000 years ago. For some, it’s a chance to bring the whole family together for the Seder and enjoy the food and activities that are uniquely Jewish.

For those that can’t or choose not to spend the holiday at home, there are a number of Passover Programs available. These are vacation packages that allow Jewish individuals and families to observe the holiday in a kosher environment. Typically, these programs take place in hotels and resorts where specialized chefs prepare gourmet kosher-for-Passover meals and hosts provide entertainment and excursions for guests.

A good place to start with choosing the right Pesach program is by determining what your goals and priorities are for the trip. Some factors to consider include the location, budget and the type of programming you like. Many people choose a program based on word of mouth and referrals from friends who have gone to the same place. It can be a good idea to choose a program that is run by the same company for several reasons including consistency, familiarity with the hechsher, and the level of service you can expect.

Once you’ve narrowed down the options, it’s important to get a feel for how the program operates. Ask to talk with someone from the program directly so you can find out more about what to expect. Getting a sense of how much the staff loves what they do can make a huge difference in the overall experience.

You should also learn more about what types of activities and services are included in the price of the program. For example, do all meals and entertainment come included? How about childcare and day camp? Lastly, how does the program handle cancellations and weather?

One of the best ways to save money on a Passover Program is to book early. Many of these vacations sell out quickly. Some programs even offer early-bird discounts to encourage guests to sign up. These discounts can help you save up to 30% or more on the cost of your vacation.

Another way to save money is by avoiding room service. This can add up to a significant amount of money over the course of a week. The simplest way to avoid this is by eating at the hotel restaurant and then going outside for your meal or snacks.

In addition to saving money, you can also save on time by staying at a Passover Program that offers all-inclusive pricing. This will eliminate the need to shop around for prices and deals on restaurants and attractions. In most cases, the only additional expense you’ll have to pay is for your transportation to and from the program. Using public transit or car sharing can help keep costs low, as well.