By Evey Joseph Leibow
The question isn’t why go on a Passover program. As a Jewish mother, I could literally sit here until tomorrow listing why going on a Passover program is a good idea and the answer to my prayers. It’s fun! No cleaning! No cooking! Hello childcare! In-house entertainment and a clear blue pool—sign me up. Someone else taking the wheel at planning food and activities with a side of massage? Yes and yes. These reasons are true every year, and they’re good. They really are. However, this year is going to be even better. Here’s how.
This is the first year in quite some time in which we have four straight days of uninterrupted Chol Hamoed. Interested in getting away to the New York Catskills with Melour and enjoying a cozy bonfire or an invigorating mountain hike without worrying about what time Yom Tov comes in? What about sinking your feet into the golden sand from your Balinese cabana in Playa Mujeres with Royal Passover and letting the kids splash and play as you watch the sun set over the water, with the only time concern being whether or not the kids will have enough energy after dinner for a night concert, given how much fun they’ve had during the day? Maybe you want to explore Greece with Kosher Culinary Travel, discovering ancient Olympia, home of the original Olympic Games, filled with ancient temples and Byzantine monasteries or soaking up the beauty of the Aegean Sea and its turquoise waters.
Wherever you choose to go, this is your chance to lean in and really take advantage of your vacation time, bookended by meaningful and uplifting Shabbat and Yom Tov experiences.
Aside from the extended Chol Hamoed, think back on the past year—it’s been a lot. Regardless of your politics or circles, I think we can all agree we’ve been through it the past 12 months. Between the election, the war, growing antisemitism around the world and natural disasters (such as the Los Angeles fires) I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want, rather need, a vacation. A break. Some time to decompress, spend quality time with the family, deepen your relationship with your spouse, alone time—whatever time. You time. Time to bond. Time to relax. Time to learn. Time to just be—without the responsibilities and concerns of our everyday schedules and demands. In order to do what we do throughout the year—the working, the mommy-ing, the daddy-ing—whatever your mental, physical and emotional load may be, you deserve a break to recharge and enjoy.
This year also offers new, revamped and exotic programs. In terms of countries, you can literally choose from across the globe—from America, to Panama, Mexico, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Israel, Morocco, Dubai, Australia, Japan and more. Some programs are brand new, some are in new and exciting locations, and many have listened to suggestions, seen what has worked or could be improved and really built their programs to surpass what they have achieved in past years. Some programs have significantly upped the ante regarding entertainment, performers, experiences, lecturers and excursions. And the food. Oh, the food. Every year it gets better and better. On Passoverlistings.com you can read about concept restaurants, sushi chefs, on-site bakeries, meat carving presentations, local and imported wine offerings, mixologists with custom cocktails and specialized chefs flown in from all over the world and more. Programs want guests to ooh and ahh over their culinary offerings and this year is shaping up to be next level.
If you’re into woodsy and more natural surroundings, there are Pesach programs for you. Melour in the New York Catskills provides a more natural but at the same time elegant experience, offering hikes and bike rides in the scenic mountainside. Prefer to sit on a soft, white, sandy beach and have cocktails served to you or take your child jet skiing for the first time? Done. Maybe you want to conquer new surroundings, take in museums, and immerse yourself in culture and history. Whatever vacation and recharging means to you and your family, passoverlistings.com can help you achieve it.
Whatever the particulars of why you could use an amazing Passover vacation or which exciting features are calling your name, if you are able to do it, do it. There are so many reasons why you should. On passoverlistings.com, find whatever flavor of vacation that works for you and your family. Between the different countries, styles and vibes, and crowds and offerings, there is something for everyone. Take advantage of this year’s extended Chol Hamoed stretch. Book your program. You’ll be glad you did. After all—this is gonna be the best Pesach yet.
