Passover looks different this year, but traditions continue

ATLANTA — In the Jewish faith, Passover starts Wednesday.

The holiday is typically marked by a large gathering and a symbolic feast. But this year, everything is different.

Channel 2′s Wendy Corona spoke with a rabbi who said, despite the challenges, the celebration goes on.

Rabbi Joshua Lesser with Congregation Bet Haverim in Toco Hills, said he knows Passover will be different this year.

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"We're really encouraging people to be creative, the be flexible," Lesser said. "One of the ways we celebrate is by bringing all of our friends and family together. We have to let go of how we have celebrated Passover in previous years in order to appreciate how we can celebrate it this year."

Joanne Birnbrey usually hosts two nights of gatherings of family and friends, easily with 70 people getting together each night at her Sandy Springs home.

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"Right now, my table is set for my husband, Eddie, and my son, Jacob," Birnberry said. "I'd like to believe that even if we didn't have technology that people would still have their Sedars, even if they were small, because that's what we're famous for and that's tradition."

The family computer, set to Zoom in family and friends, is at the center of the table where the Seder plate would be.

Birnbrey said she'll miss the chaos of all that company, but Passover will still be blessed and shared with others this year -- just with a lot less cleanup.

“Hopefully, we’re going to start type of Sedar that we will always remember,” Birnbrey said. “With the same food and the same traditions.”

Metro Atlanta churches celebrate Palm Sunday on livestreams Many churches held services online.

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