Passover is a time for reflection, family, and fun around the dinner table. For the 5.9 million children who have allergies or food sensitives, it’s also a time to get creative, innovating traditional Passover staples. The usual seder spread includes matzah (which has gluten), charoset (which has nuts), eggs, and shankbones (which can be considered meat for vegetarians or vegans).
Although each of these foods has a ritual meaning ascribed to it, there is a concept in Judaism referred to as Pikuach Nefesh, which tells us that not to do anything that may harm us or endanger our lives even if there are religious rituals or rules ask us to do otherwise. So if needed, break out the gluten-free matzah or feel free to remove the nuts from your charoset recipe!
Searching for new or unique recipes to satisfy food allergy requirements can be time-consuming – and that’s even before you prep everything else for your seder meal! Families are invited to get a head start and join us on March 18 from 3 – 4:30pm for A Taste of PJ Library: Allergy-Friendly Passover Fun. We’ll learn new recipes and participate in a fun activity led by Rabbi Karen Thomashow!
References
- http://jewishjournal.com/blogs/110334/judaism-and-nuts-ethics-and-allergies/
- https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/saving-a-life-pikuach-nefesh/
- https://www.foodallergy.org/life-food-allergies/food-allergy-101/facts-and-statistics
