As I’ve written about and said, “Zoom is here to stay,” and it’s a blessing and a curse. Alas, we cannot sing the Passover songs together. As much as I’d love to have all of us in perfect harmony, we’ll have to stay muted and sing amongst those who are in our homes. Now please understand…the songs are fantastic; they are a little silly as I’ve added those and removed some traditional ones. I thought to myself, “Let’s have a virtual blast!” They are set to melodies we all know so there’s no excuse to keep silent (Elijah will be listening!). They will be on your Zoom screen at the appropriate time, but they are NOT in your Haggadah.

Please have all the necessary seder items in front of you or able to be reached as if we were sitting around a table. It makes for a festive look – well, as festive as it can be when a computer/iPad/iPhone is in front of you) – and allow for a smooth seder.

If you are a reader – and you know who you are – please mark the last line of the previous selection so you’ll know where to come in. If there’s a song, it’ll be on the screen and I’ll stop you in your tracks so we can sing. Then, of course, I’ll be solicitous and have you read. As I’ve told my 900 Bar/Bat Mitzvah kids across the years…S L O W and C L E A R! Even if you err in the Hebrew and no one knows Hebrew, at least no one will say “S/he rushed through it!” Even Presbyterians and Eastern Orthodox know if you’ve read too fast.

The Afikoman is hidden at the usual time early in the seder. Since our meals will follow the seder you can have the “hunt” take place beforehand if you so choose or, of course, you can wait ‘til you eat and wait until the meal is finished.

I hope we’ll be able to keep Zooming after the conclusion of the seder for y’all to schmooze, maybe even during your dinner.

The greeting in Hebrew is Chag Pesach sameach! (or just Chag sameach!) and in Yiddish Gut yontif! or A zeesen Pesach! Whichever you prefer, the sentiment is the same: our Passover should have the sweetness of the four cups of wine and may the promise of the pandemic passing over all humanity and staying the heck away be fulfilled!