I’ll freely admit that Passover is not my favorite holiday. Between the restrictive cooking, endless cleaning, shopping, hosting, table-setting, and decorating, it often feels more like drudgery than celebration.

If we want to enjoy ourselves, we need to have realistic expectations. Whipping up a 9-course meal for 50 isn’t always an option—particularly for those who are short on time or money (or both).

Remember: There’s no shame in scaling back…

I’ve been to many Seders in my lifetime and hosted a few. I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. This year, I’m only doing the basics. Due to struggling with some persistent health problems, I’m dealing with pain and low energy. I need to prioritize and probably you do, too.

All this week, I’ll be blogging about Passover, sharing my tips and tricks for a smooth holiday. If you have any ideas, please feel free to comment! I love to hear what works for other ladies. We can all learn from each other.

Do you love or hate Passover? (I’m mixed!)

Since Purim will be here on 3/16, I wanted to share my thoughts on the subject.

Coming from a very Reform background, this holiday was barely on the radar when I was growing up—mainly as a “Jewish Halloween.” I can remember the annual Carnival at Hebrew School which included some costumes, candy, and a story about the deliverance of the Persian Jews from Annihilation. In the Orthodox community, it’s much more popular with a lot of dancing, feasting, and gift-giving. I truly don’t understand why it’s so underrepresented by the Reform—particularly the concept of giving  Mishloach Manot (gift baskets).

How many of us felt excluded every April when the other kids got Easter Baskets? I know I sure did! There are many Interfaith couples that even succumb to the temptation and allow their own children to participate in Easter rituals.

That is not the answer.

We have our own Holidays and traditions, most of which we don’t even know about, let alone follow. It’s perfectly fine for Gentiles to enjoy Easter, but it’s not for us. Your Jewish child doesn’t need an Easter Basket to feel fulfilled, they need a Purim Basket! If you have a little one, I encourage you to embrace this ritual at home, starting this year! It doesn’t have to be limited to children either; adults appreciate them, too!

So, how do you create Mishloach Manot? These can be super-simple or over-the-top extravagant; it’s your choice. Usually, I just grab whatever free or cheap candy I get from couponing and put it into a little bag for Hungry Bear (my guy). Right now, I have everything shown here.

I have yet to craft gorgeous homemade baskets like these. They are amazing! The ice cream sundae kits, candy sushi, and treasure box were my favorites, but honestly every single idea listed was great. If you’re looking for healthy ideas, try sending a fruit basket or veggie tray. Diabetics and weight-watchers will be grateful.

For the bakers among us, try your hand at some homemade hamentashen.

Last but definitely not least, Purim is about charity. Donate a little something to a good cause that touches your heart, like this desperately ill Chihuahua.

Do you celebrate Purim?

I received an email from a reader named Katy, who asked the following question: “Do I have to be Jewish to read this blog? I enjoy the posts on recipes and coupons. I skip the ones on religion since I’m an Atheist.”

Thanks for your question, Katy! You don’t have to be Jewish to read this blog. While https://thejewishlady.com/ is primarily a lifestyle site for/about Jewish ladies, I have many readers from all walks of life. Anyone who is a friend and supporter of the Jewish Community is very welcome here, regardless of their own faith. I’ve been blessed to know so many Righteous Gentiles in my life. I respect every religion, and those who have no religion at all.

There are only 3 categories  of individuals I will exclude:

1.  Anti-Semitic Scum

Those who have hate on their minds and wish to spread their false, evil poison will never have a forum here!

2.   Proselytizers

You’re entitled to your faith; please respect ours! I don’t want anyone trying to convert others through my site. I have nothing against Missionaries, but this isn’t your battle ground.

3.   Self-Hating Jews who apologize for and/or condone the above

This should be self-explanatory. If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.

Everyone else, please feel at home!

There are individuals of all Faiths who pervert religion to suit their own twisted agendas—Catholic pedophile priests, Muslims who declare “Holy” wars, Polygamists that terrorize women and children, Orthodox husbands that spitefully extort their wives for a Get (Jewish Divorce decree).

These people cloak themselves in phony righteousness, sinning with impunity. They use and abuse the word of God. They rule through fear and intimidation. They are cruel and calculating. They, most certainly, are not people of Faith. They are criminals. What they do is the worst kind of wickedness, praying on the vulnerable.

A truly religious person is humble. They seek to do good. They are compassionate and forgiving. They believe in equality and the inherent value of every single soul on this planet.

Most of all, they recognize that God, above all else, is about love. God loves us all. If we seek to truly do God’s will, we will learn to love, not hate. We will choose good over evil. We will not follow False Prophets.

Don’t blindly follow. Listen to your own heart and mind. If something feels wrong, it probably is…

Have you ever encountered an evil-doer claiming to be holy?