At a Passover and Easter Impasse? Ideas for Interfaith Families

This year, the start of Passover and Easter both fall on the same weekend, which creates challenges, but also opportunities, for interfaith families. Both holidays are important for their respective religions and can thereby create tension. Here are some tips to help you navigate these two holidays with forethought and intention:

  • Communicate with Your Partner Before Speaking with the Children.
    Being on the same page with your partner is crucial. Talk and listen about the things that are important to each of you and the traditions you wish to uphold in your household. Have these conversations before you speak with your child(ren), so they sense their parents are on the same page.
  • Be Respectful of the Grandparent Generation.
    With your partner, think about ways you want to honor and include the grandparents. It can be nice to have a special celebration for each holiday with each set of grandparents.
  • Give Each Holiday Its Due.
    If you are celebrating both holidays, even when going to someone else’s home for it, make sure you give enough attention to each holiday separately and distinctly.
  • Find a Good Time to Talk with Your Kids.
    Do it when there aren’t distractions and when you have the time and patience to answer their questions. If you’d like to read a PJ Library book about interfaith families to jump-start the conversation, try one of these.
  • Involve Your Children in Holiday Planning
    Have your children weigh in on parts of the menu, make place cards for the seder, practice the Four Questions, set up the house to welcome guests or put together a bouquet of flowers and a thank you card to bring to the host of your celebration. The more agency your child has in the holiday, the easier the conversation will be.

Need more tips on how to welcome seder guests who are not Jewish and may be experiencing Passover for the first time? Check out PJ Library’s Passover Tips for Interfaith Families. I’m also here to help—I’ve had four decades of experience navigating being in an interfaith family!

Passover starts on Friday, April 15th at sundown.

Chag Pesach Sameach (Happy Passover holiday),

Sarah

 


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