A reader asks: What can I bring as a gift to a Passover seder?
First and foremost, unless you are certain of your hosts’ Passover practices, don’t bring any food that is loose or homemade. While there are basic rules for Passover that apply in most households, no two families are exactly the same. Food marked “Kosher for Passover” in an sealed, unopened package is probably all right but for myself, I tend to avoid all food gifts at this time of year unless I have special knowledge of tastes and Jewish observance in that home.
Some good non-food items to bring:
- An interesting Haggadah is a nice gift. Some have beautiful illustrations, some have texts or commentary by famous rabbis, and some are just unusual.
- Small housewares are welcome this time of year: dish clothes, napkins, placemats, salt-and-pepper shakers, etc. Many families pack away their “regular” wares in favor of “Passover” things and so something new is particularly welcome at this time.
- Flowers are always lovely.
- If there are children in the house, bringing a Passover book, puzzle or toy for children is a very nice thing to do.
- Books or games are a fine idea.
If nothing on this list appeals to you, perhaps it has given you other ideas. Readers, can you suggest gifts you have given at Passover time that have been particularly welcome?
Rabbi Ruth, Although you do not recommend a gift of food, a bottle of Kosher for Passover wine was always welcomed by my Orthodox family. With a large family at the Seder Table and assorted guests drinking four glasses of wine, it never went to waste.
True! A bottle of Kosher for Passover wine, unopened and with the seal intact makes a very welcome gift.
P
Definitely flowers!
Since most of the seders I went to were set up by women, you know cooking, setting the table…
Preparing the proper dishes, and so, and so !
The hostess is an Esther in herself!
Flowers!
Just flowers!