How To Celebrate Passover Around FL During Coronavirus Crisis

MIAMI, FL — There's no question this year's Passover celebration will be different from previous years, but that doesn't mean the underlying religious message will be completely lost to the coronavirus outbreak in Florida.

"My wish for people right now is to know that there are many people just like them that are alone and suffering and even depressed unfortunately," Rabbi Frederick Klein told Patch.

"Every experience in life that we go through has some meaning and purpose," he said.

Rabbi Klein said the Greater Miami Jewish Federation has a number of resources available on its website to help people celebrate Passover during the coronavirus crisis, including virtual seders.

You can join the Mishkan Miami Chaplains as they share song and Torah traditions in a virtual seder. Click here to register for the Virtual Seder, which begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

"In feeling that vulnerability, we should be more empathetic and sympathetic to the vulnerability of all human beings right now,” Rabbi Klein added. “There are many other people that are doing seders on their own and feeling just like they are.”

Rabbi Yossi Harlig of the Chabad Center of Kendall told Patch this year's Passover celebration can be a very spiritual experience for people who are otherwise accustomed to celebrating the holiday with large gatherings.

"Obviously, if we had a choice we'd rather be together," he said. "I'm not saying this is better. But you have to take advantage of this moment."

Harlig enlisted his two young children, Levi and Mushka, to prepare a video for people on how to conduct a seder at home.

Watch the video below:

"Jewish people all over the world will be celebrating with the same intention, with the same emotion, with the same prayers, with the same songs," Harlig explained. "Even though physically you may not be together, but the unity will be really one.

"I feel this year's Passover is going to be a very spiritual experience with people thinking about slavery and freedom and God playing a role in it — and God with us," he added.