Each and every year, Jews around the world prepare for the Passover holiday. Some do it in a cursory and general approach while others are extremely meticulous and detailed in kashering their homes. In the Jewish Home at Rockleigh, the dietary food service staff, under the supervision of two mashgichim, chaplain and representatives of the Rabbinical Council of Bergen County (“RCBC”), maintain the highest and strictest standards of Passover kosher dietary observance so that anyone will feel comfortable partaking in our Seders and all of the delicious meals throughout the holiday.
Making one’s home kosher for Passover is for the most part a straightforward and virtually uncomplicated matter. On the other hand, we at the Home are involved in a rigorous and time oriented process that begins every January 1st. First an inventory is taken of all supplies and utensils to determine what has to be kashered for Passover and what cannot be kashered. This insures that there’s sufficient time to order needed food and supplies. In most homes, preparations for cleaning and the transference of dishes and utensils can take place a few days before Passover. Although this is an eight day holiday, the Home’s “turnover” of the kitchen and the entire facility is done weeks in advance – the Home is kosher for Passover for at least 10 to 12 days. Additionally, unlike hotels or other nursing homes, thousands of kosher meals-on-wheels are prepared for delivery to numerous sites in Bergen and Hudson Counties. These meals must be received prior to the onset of Passover.
Kashering the kitchens, coffee shop, staff cafeteria and all resident rooms and offices entails constant communication, extensive planning, budgeting, ongoing education and, most of all, cooperation between all those involved in the process. Cleaning, scrubbing, scouring, boiling, purging by fire are only part of the scenario. The transference of non-kosher for Passover foods and replacing them with the appropriate kosher for Passover foods is a yeoman job. Also, given the fact that there are countless numbers of residents on a variety of medications and diets, there is no room for error.
For us, Passover is not just an important Jewish holiday. For the Jewish Home family, the residents relive our history as a Nation, and their own personal traditions and customs with family and friends who join them in the Seders and holiday meals, services and observances. In short, everyone “kvells” with the beauty of the holiday and we become united in this beautiful endeavor. It “reJEWvenates” them as it should each and everyone of us, as well. May our proper observance of this joyous and magnificent holiday serve to expedite our redemption and bring peace and harmony to our people and the entire world. Zi gezunt!