Happy Passover!

Passover.
Family.
Friends.

It's almost here--my favorite holiday! Each time I celebrate Passover in a new place, I remember my favorite seders from other years, spent with people I love. And every place provides me another opportunity to spend a meaningful holiday with new friends!

New York.
Home.
Culture.

New York was definitely my favorite place in recent years to partake of the Passover meal. Each year brought something new:
Year 1 was my first time leading a Passover seder! [It was also my first time singing a heavy metal rendition of Dayenu.]
Year 2 my dad led the seder in my apartment. I had many friends attending, & several had never celebrated before!
Year 3 my dad came up for a full-length seder at Graffiti. It was a great way to spend my last Passover there!

Richmond.
Tikvat Israel.
Messianic.

This is the only messianic seder I've attended besides the one the Simons do. I realized how different our Hagaddah is, & how much I enjoy the quirks we add to it! However, I loved being able to celebrate this holiday with like-minded believers.

Boone.
Wesley Foundation.
Methodists.

Sarah & I were able to enjoy our dad leading the seder for our campus ministry. Many of them had never celebrated before, & it was fun to be surrounded by so many friends!

Boiling Springs.
Stephanie.
Honors House.

We made matzah pizza! It's still one of my favorite Passover foods, whether for the seder or the week after. As one of my very best friends was met during this period of my life, this year was special to me. Her family's always celebrated Passover--just one of the reasons we love each other! I hope to celebrate many more Passovers with Stephanie.

Asheville.
Family.
Betty & James.

My mom made my absolute favorite seder dish: matzah casserole (pinach-mushroom mina)! This is the BEST family seder we've had. James, Paul, Linda, & Jerry came from California, Betty came from New York, & the rest of the Simons came from much closer. We had fun laughing & sharing in one of the richest holidays of the year!

Miami.
Bagel shop.
Cousins.

It's impossible for me to forget our trip to Miami one spring break just following Passover. My dad was showing us where he grew up (Sarah & I had never been). We went to a bagel shop within the first day (you know we're Simons!), & it made me smile to hear the families getting together & swapping holiday stories from the week before. [In retrospect, it was quite a precursor for New York, & the overheard conversations of Jewish holidays between friends on the sidewalks & subways.]

No matter where I am or end up, I pray I will always celebrate Passover with friends & family. It is impossible to have a bad Passover week--because just remembering the journey of our ancestors & the history they've preserved is reason to celebrate! And even moreso, Passover's clear picture of our Messiah acting as our substitute can only lead to praising God!

Good Pesach to all of you!