Elana Maslow, 26, Oakland, Calif.

‘We always say “next year in Jerusalem.” But, what will next year look like?’

The people in this photo have been coming to my house for the first night of Passover for at least 15 years. Ted and Judy bring brisket and macaroons. Janet makes charoset. My dad runs the Seder and oftentimes makes a big speech where everyone cries. We are doing a Zoom Seder. Maybe we will all make our own matzo ball soup, or I can go to my parents and pick up a pot.

I think right now we are just grateful to be alive and to be healthy. My mom has been watching a livestream of Friday night services, my parents do a weekly meditation by our rabbi, and my boyfriend and I are watching a livestream of songs from our Jewish summer camp every Friday night. We are trying to stay connected to our community any way that we know how.

This year I want our Passover to be more social justice-oriented. How can we continue to think critically of the world and best support others that need our help the most? We always say “next year in Jerusalem.” But, what will next year look like?

Donna Shewach, 65, Ann Arbor, Mich.

‘Opportunities to honor the memories and traditions of our past.’

We are still cleaning our home as thoroughly as ever because that’s what we do for Passover. However, we are not cooking nearly as much, as we will be three instead of 20 or 30. We cut out many of the vegan dishes, except for the mushroom shepherd’s pie, which has become a family favorite. This year I’ll finally have to make dessert, as my family always brings delicious desserts from a kosher-for-Passover caterer.

In the past we have done our best to continue traditions under all circumstances. When our daughter was recovering from a bone-marrow transplant and we couldn’t have company, we made a Seder for our children while the rest of my family put together a Seder at my brother’s home to continue the tradition of being together. Such holidays are opportunities to honor the memories and traditions of our past, and create lifelong memories for the next generation. That must continue.