At last there is a rainbow on the horizon, as Bruce Backman of Pesach in the Northeast has changed venues in order to ensure that all necessary precautions can be taken to be COVID-safe at the magnificent Wild Dunes Resort in Charleston, South Carolina. The first thing that came into my mind about this destination is that Charleston is a charming city, close enough to enable families to drive there. (No airplane tickets and no concern about flying.)

The Island of Wild Dunes is strictly beachfront on the tip of Isle of Palms, which is a lush barrier island off the coast of South Carolina. Wild Dunes is located less than 30 minutes from Charleston. It occupies 1,600 acres of oceanfront property, with golf courses available for those who love to golf; tennis courts for those who prefer tennis to hone up on their backspin; and acres and acres of beautiful spaces available for those who prefer to lie in the sun and curl up with a favorite book.

With the first seder this year being held on Motzei Shabbat, there will be many days of chol hamoed, enabling families to take adventurous trips around the area and partake in the many activities that are being arranged in the inimitable fashion in which Backman takes so much pleasure.

The program will have an outdoor, socially distanced tent synagogue; outdoor socially distanced lectures and entertainment; a fully stocked beit midrash; and an eruv for Shabbat. All food will be Glatt kosher, chalav Yisroel, non gebrokts and shmura matza. Rabbi Yaacov Barber is the kashrut administrator.

There will be an outdoor children’s tented day camp; a professional indoor nursery program for toddlers and infants; and special teen’s programming with exciting activities and on-site adventures. There will be nightly entertainment on chol hamoed and art workshops and hands-on activities.

The program will include gourmet farm-to-table cuisine served in private or semi-private dining rooms, or to be delivered to your guest residence three times a day in the comfort of your own guest room, condo or vacation home. To allow guests to enjoy their holiday without their safety being compromised, all safety protocols will be adhered to.

There will be a tea room (for those still starving) with outdoor seating including but not limited to an array of elaborate chocolates, snacks, candies, fruits, pastries and beverages. There will be the traditional chol hamoed barbecue with takeout available, and daily brunch buffet with a takeout option. At an additional cost one can arrange for private dining; fully koshered and stocked residences; a private Pesach butler and/or a private home chef with bespoke menus. (Additional fees would apply.)

All of the buffets will feature to-go options for those looking to eat on the beach, by the pool or as they explore the many incredible attractions the Charleston region has to offer.

There is much more to learn about this extraordinary Pesach program by going to the website https://www.pesachinthesoutheast.com/. See their ad on page 54.