As Pesach approaches, the excitement of Yom Tov is in the air. For many, it’s a time to reunite with family and friends, gathering around the Seder table to reexperience Yetzias Mitzrayim. But for those who are unable to attend a Seder or find themselves far from home, the holiday can be a lonely experience. That’s where Seder to Go comes in.
Created in 2018 by Chabad on Call at Merkos 302, Seder to Go is designed to bring the warmth and joy of a Seder experience to those in medical centers. As the years went by, demand for the kits soared; soon kits were not only being delivered to hospitals, but to families at home and individuals on the road, to anyone and everyone in need of a Seder.
“When a Jew can’t come to the Seder, we bring the Seder to them,” said Mrs. Chani Goldberg, director of Chabad on Call. “With Seder to Go anyone can have a complete Seder experience, whether they are in a hospital room or anywhere else in the world.”
The kit includes a custom carry box, a ke’arah placemat with coordinating containers, a new art Hagaddah, a family card game, and much more, making the Seder a fun and engaging experience for all ages.
Rabbi Mendy Zwiebel, Shliach to Chico, CA, handed out 40 kits last year. “The response was overwhelmingly positive. People were touched that we took the time to hand-deliver a Seder to them, and were motivated to go through the steps because of all the beautiful items included.”
After Pesach, Zwiebel received some heartwarming messages from community members. “I wasn’t planning on making a Seder this year,” Jake wrote in a text. “As you know, I was traveling for work, and wasn’t interested in making a Seder alone. But then you brought over this beautiful Seder box and I thought to myself, ‘how could I not?’”
“The Rebbe entrusted us with the responsibility to make sure that every Jew can fulfill the Mitzvos of Pesach,” shared Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, executive director of Merkos 302. “These kits empower everyone to bring the Yom Tov of Pesach to those who don’t have the ability to celebrate with others.”
Know someone who won’t be attending a Seder? Bring the Seder to them with Seder to Go!
Order yours at chabadoncall.com/sedertogo Orders close Friday, March 24.
Wonderful! A historical point of information: the Seder-to-Go project actually first appeared some 25 years before its resurrection in 2018 as reported here — it was the innovation of Rabbi Menachem Schmidt, designed and distributed nationwide by yours truly and our friend and colleague Mr. Levi Garbose. Among the other essential Seder items, we created an 8-panel graphical guide to the Seder experience entitled “Exodus from Egypt: THE ITINERARY”. We also produced a Public Service Announcement that aired on national TV and radio, featuring the edited voice of President Clinton — sliced and spliced from random words and syllables —… Read more »