Prepare to embark on a stress-free Passover journey with Simplified! As the Seder approaches, let us alleviate the burdens of preparation so you can focus on the joyous moments shared with family and friends. From crafting the perfect Seder table to hosting virtual or in-person gatherings, our guide will equip you with valuable tips and local resources to ensure a memorable and hassle-free Passover celebration. Let’s dive in and make this year’s Passover one to remember!
Shopping for your seder
Want to spice up your Seder this year with a new Haggadah? Looking for a memorable Afikomen prize or host gift? Find a selection of Passover items to choose from at these local shops:
- Brookline Booksmith has a great variety of progressive and traditional Haggadahs plus Passover cookbooks and greeting cards.
- If you’re looking for accessories for your Seder table, you’ll find everything you need from Israel Book Shop in Brookline. They have a Passover store where you’ll find Haggadahs, Matzah Covers, Seder Plates, Afikomen Prizes, and more.
- To really motivate the kids at your Seder to find the Afikomen, stop by Henry Bear’s Park where you can shop by age and find the perfect prize.
Hosting a Virtual Seder
If you are looking to host a virtual Passover seder this year, check out these tips from HeyAlma.com. We love their ideas on gathering family recipes, creating a collaborative Haggadah, and assigning a music director to lead the virtual group in song.
And if you’re not able to be with loved ones this Passover, you can always send Passover gift boxes to let them know you are thinking of them and help fill their Seder table with special sweets or decorations.
Hosting an in-person seder
If you are hosting your Seder at home this year, you have the options of cooking yourself, catering a meal, or a combination of both. We recommend keeping the items you love to make on your menu (like Grandma’s Matzo Ball Soup) while taking advantage of the amazing food options from local restaurants and bakeries:
- The Butcherie is a family-owned and operated delicatessen that has been serving up authentic Kosher delicatessen and eastern European comfort foods for more than 35 years in Brookline. They always have wide variety of Passover essentials like Gefilte Fish and a selection of Kosher for Passover prepared foods.
- Local restaurants like Clover Food Lab often offer special Passover Boxes with free delivery within 30 mile radius of Cambridge. Previous boxes included a Matzo Fluffernutter Kit, Passover appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. This is great for one big seder or many smaller meals throughout a week.
- Mamaleh’s offers special Passover menus so you can plan a few meals throughout the week of Passover when you run out of Seder leftovers.
If you’re planning to cook your own meal, allow our concierge service to handle the shopping for you. Avoid the hassle of navigating crowded grocery stores and braving the crowds to check off items on your shopping list. Leave the errands to us and enjoy a stress-free shopping experience.
Passover Sweets
Who doesn’t love chocolate covered matzo? Here are a few of our favorite local shops with special Passover candies and desserts:
Indulge in the sweetness of Passover with delectable treats from Zaftigs in Brookline and Natick. Savor the richness of their homemade Flourless Cheesecake, available in chocolate or raspberry swirl, offering a delightful fusion of flavors that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. For a delightful crunch, try their irresistible Chocolate Caramel Matzo Bark, a perfect blend of chocolatey goodness and caramelized matzo. And don’t miss out on their Coconut Macaroons, available in half a dozen or a full dozen, offering a chewy and coconutty delight that’s perfect for the holiday. For an extra touch of decadence, indulge in their Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroons, combining the goodness of coconut with the richness of chocolate for a truly indulgent treat.
Make your Passover celebration extra special by visiting Blacker’s Bakeshop in Newton, where you’ll discover a delightful array of Passover treats to tantalize your taste buds. Treat yourself to their heavenly Passover Brownies, indulgent with rich chocolatey goodness that melts in your mouth with every bite. Dive into the chewy and flavorful Coconut Macaroons, a classic Passover delight that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Don’t miss out on their irresistible “Matzah Crunch,” a highly addictive treat that combines the crunch of matzah with the sweetness of toffee and chocolate, creating a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. And of course, no Passover is complete without the timeless Passover Sponge Cake, a light and fluffy delicacy that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your Seder table. Treat yourself and your loved ones to these delectable Passover desserts from Blacker’s Bakeshop and make this holiday season truly memorable.
Passover Crafts for Kids
We know most kids struggle to get through a long Seder and want to skip verses of Dayenu to get to the meal, so keep them entertained with these fun ideas from Tori Avey for creative Passover crafting and art projects you can make at home or choose one of these DIY Seder Plates to create ahead of time so they feel like they helped you prepare for the big day.
With our Holiday Services, Simplified can transform this Passover into the most stress-free and enjoyable one yet. Even if you’re not hosting the Seder, we’re here to assist with a range of tasks, from selecting the perfect host gift to arranging beautiful flowers for your table. Need a babysitter to keep the little ones entertained during the festivities? We’ve got you covered. Let Simplified take care of the details so you can focus on creating cherished memories with your loved ones this Passover season.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2017 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.