Social Distancing #5: Passover Prep

 

I called my friend Robin this morning to catch up. We’re missing our walks together. I told her I was in the midst of making chicken soup and matzo balls for Passover. She said she was too! So we chopped and chatted, and pretended to smell each other’s concoctions of simmering chicken stock, onions, celery, carrots, parsnips, dill and parsley. I use my mother’s recipe.

The other day, I talked to two other friends, also preparing for Passover that begins Wednesday night. This year is presenting challenges to families, accustomed to getting together to share the Seder and the traditional foods. Some are holding “virtual” seders, with each family member cooking their own food but meeting online to recite the Haggadah. Some (like us) are paring down quite a bit, and for me, I’m making soup and brisket to deliver to a couple neighbors. I’ll freeze some to bring to my parents for when I can visit them again.

Next weekend is Easter. I imagine people who celebrate are in the throes of their own preparations: planning menus, dying Easter eggs and filling Easter baskets. Church services are virtual and there won’t be egg hunts.

Here’s hoping these holidays bring renewal and courage as we carry on in isolation.