SEATTLE — Passover, the most celebrated of all Jewish holidays, starts Wednesday night.
The Jewish holiday traditionally begins with a large meal called a seder. But should large seders still take place under a stay-at-home order?
One of the world’s leading authorities on Jewish law is a Seattle Rabbi named Moshe Kletenik.
Rabbi Kletenik told KING 5’s Steve Bunin the short answer is no. He said Jewish law clearly states that no one should host or attend a large meal on Wednesday night due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
“Because in Jewish law, preserving health and protecting life takes priority over these other commandments,” explained Rabbi Kletenik.
Q: What if someone said to you, but it’s our tradition and it’s important, my grandparents couldn’t do it without me. What would you say to them?
Rabbi Kletenik: “I would say, that unfortunate as that is, having a seder together with them is placing them in danger. They are vulnerable, and we should not place either ourselves or anyone else in danger in pursuit of this.
“And I would recommend that prior to the beginning of Passover, the family gets together on Zoom or any platforms, to discuss the story of the exodus, that they tell some of the personal stories that each of them has concerning their own lives. And to make every effort to connect before that night.
“But on that night, to preserve life and health, to protect host and guest, and especially our most vulnerable, is the highest priority.”