I’m Channeling My Grandma with These Pretty Passover Items

As a kid, what I was most excited about during Passover seder was the meal. It appeared on page 28 of our Haggadah, and after all of the prayers and songs, I looked forward to finally reaching that pinnacle when I could start enjoying my grandma’s famed matzah ball soup and brisket. As I’ve gotten older, though, I’ve realized that my bubby put love and attention into so much more than just the delicious meal. On this holiday, her home and table were thoughtfully decorated with beautiful items to help our family pray, rejoice, and, of course, eat.

Ever since I moved away from my home, I’ve taken up my bubby’s mantle of hosting Passover seders. During my senior year of college, I somehow made room for a whopping 14 people around a table made for six. Over the past two decades since, in my apartments in New York, Pittsburgh, and Los Angeles, I’ve always invited both my Jewish and non-Jewish friends to celebrate with me. 

Every time I make charoseth and matzah ball soup, or start to set my Passover table, I think about my grandma ( I also think of her every time I use her trick for using rubber gloves to wash the dishes). But as the tradition for hosting has come my way, I think about my grandma more and more. I remember her kind smile, her gentle laughter, her way of making every person at the table feel included and satiated. And, I have to say, my matzah balls rival hers! (Sorry, that recipe is staying in the family.)

It’s become increasingly important to me to carry on the traditions not just of my family, but of the Jewish people at large. I love how connected I feel to my people during Passover especially, and during this time, that connection to my bubby feels more tangible than ever. Even though she passed away 10 years ago, hosting a Passover seder helps me keep that connection going year after year. 

This year, I’ll be hosting two seders — one virtual with my family and one local with six close friends. I’m ready to incorporate some additional beauty into the seder in the form of a few items that are not only culturally and religiously appropriate, but beautiful to boot. And, of course, each one makes me think about my bubby. Here are just a few pieces I would be thrilled to add into my Passover traditions going forward.