Next year in Jerusalem

As the final portion of the Haggadah says, L’Shana Haba’ah B’Yerushalayim – Next year in Jerusalem. Maybe they were on to something there?

Considering the laborious prep that comes just before Passover, notably the dreaded ‘big shop’ with a till receipt so long that you could repaper your downstairs loo with it, it’s no wonder that so many are favouring an organised getaway over the Jewish holidays.

For many years, families have flocked to various destinations to enjoy kosher programmes with particular focus on festivals such as Passover and Succot. The very idea of someone else doing the hard work for you has such huge appeal, making for a more enjoyable trip where you don’t have the hassle of worrying about anything at all, notably where you are going to find kosher cuisine.

These annual programmes ensure many returning families each year, sold into the idea of a hassle-free holiday and meaning they don’t have to travel with everything bar the kitchen sink to be able to enjoy a trip away from home. It’s a common story to hear of the wife and kids flying to somewhere in Europe, while the husband travels there by road in a minivan filled with enough frozen kosher food to service the whole of London, snacks galore, disposable crockery, pots and pans, not to mention a groaning roof rack of luggage. And upon arrival, you’ve still got to kosher the accommodation. Where’s the holiday in that?

What began in more traditional locations, such as France and Italy, now extends to more exotic destinations such as South Africa, Dubai and even China. Of course, these trips come with a price tag but, like with any holiday, it’s only as expensive as you want it to be. Plus, with many airlines offering excellent deals to make up for all that missed airtime during Covid, there is usually something to suit most budgets.

With more than 10 years’ experience in keeping the Jews happy (no mean feat), Olam Holidays is gearing up for yet another successful Passover programme, this time in Costa Dorada, Spain, where the company hopes you will ‘arrive like a guest and leave like family!’ Its customer reviews are testament to just how much the guests enjoy the programmes on offer, including organised day trips, kids’ club and babysitting services, plus meaningful and motivational guest speakers appearing regularly during the trip.

If Spain isn’t your cup of sangria, then KDeluxe is running its Pesach programme in the beautiful location of Sardinia, with the choice of hotel accommodation or the option of taking a luxury villa plus private pool. Set on a stunning white sandy beach, the view itself would be enough for some, but KDeluxe lays on a whole host of activities and nightly entertainment for all guests to enjoy. A particular highlight is the sporting activities programme for those who can’t sit still, including basketball, rugby and fencing. It’s no wonder that so many rebook for the following year. Familiarity and knowing what to expect is often key, especially for families with young children, where the less stress the better. Plus, there’s always time to explore the world when the kids are a little older.

Forte Village in Sardinia, pictured at night, is a Pesach offering from KDeluxe

In terms of who joins these programmes, it does seem a mixed bag – families, older retired couples, even singles. At one communal seder at a hotel in Cannes, an older gentleman from the States attended the programme alone.He was invited to join the table of an extended family who had brought their ‘Bubbe’ along. A beautiful connection was made, and companionship was found
over the seder plate.

For the newlyweds who want a honeymoon like no other, couples celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary or families simply keen to enjoy a relaxing break and connect with extended family from across the globe, there are programmes to suit all, ensuring that your kitchen sink stays firmly plumbed in at home.

www.olamholidays.com

www.kdeluxe.com