Around this time of year we are inundated with ads about all kinds of wonderful Pesach Programs. For those of us who can afford a Pesach away from home, the choices can be overwhelming. You begin to wonder about the pros and cons of different destinations, costs, menus, as well as social aspects. Thoughts about Chol Hamoed entertainment and attractions in the area, as well as spiritually stimulating programming are all things that come to mind.
Despite the extreme efforts by many Pesach Programs to fully satisfy all the personal preferences of every family member who joins their program, in most cases ultimately the final decision most likely is a compromise amongst different family members’ preferences. However, there is a lesser-known alternative that many “Pesach-Program Seekers” may not know about. Travelers may not realize that they have many more options (including staying home) for an enjoyable and meaningful Yom Tov other than a conventional Pesach Program, and one of the top alternatives is renting a private apartment or home in a neighborhood of your choice.
A common first reaction to the choice of a private home rental is, “I would never want to do all the cooking myself, I prefer getting served a five-star meal.” However, if we take a deeper look at this option, it may not seem that bad after all, and there may even be some benefits over the standard Pesach Program “model.”
Perhaps the greatest advantage of renting a private property is the privacy and the sense of “home.” Guests are able to enjoy rest and relaxation. Though you may be attempting to break away from the stress of everyday life, it can be hard not to miss the comforts of home. A rental property can provide those soothing and familiar feelings with amenities such as home furnishings, kitchen appliances, and a porch or balcony. You may find that a large rental property that can host a large family may even be more economical than some Pesach programs that charge per person. This may be true even if you elect to hire a cook and/or maid as a live-in for the entire duration of your stay.
Vacation rentals are often located in residential neighborhoods as well, immersing you one step further into the local culture.
Visiting friends or family over Pesach? Entertaining in a hotel room has serious limitations, particularly when it comes to lack of seating and room to socialize. When you choose to rent a vacation property, you’re able to spend time in your space instead of only theirs or out in a shared common area. If you’re traveling in a group, a vacation home or apartment will provide the extra space to provide solitude when needed and common rooms to gather together and enjoy each other’s company.
Interested in a private vacation rental in Jerusalem? Visit www.JerusalemPenthouse.com or contact Yehuda Miller at [email protected] or 201-357-0423 for booking and pricing information.
By Yehuda Miller
