There is nothing more sad than being alone for a Jewish holiday. Any other national celebration is not as bad.
Five years ago, my son was not going to be with me for Pesach, so Miami Beach looked attractive. Finding an affordable resort on the beach was easy at that time of year, with a convenient location on the main drag, Collins Avenue. Making a seder reservation was not so simple.
After asking around, I decided Chabad was the best choice; its Web site had all the information, plus they are located across from the resort.
When I arrived for the first seder, beautiful tables were ready with plates containing all traditional elements. The service and food were wonderful.
Even though I am not Orthodox, the rabbi and attendees made me feel very welcome. They even asked me to come for lunch and to a second seder.
I also met a great family during my vacation. I could tell they were Jewish by the way the mother fed the children. Also, they had transported eight days’ worth of kosher food from New Jersey, and they invited me for evening meals and Shabbat — a lot of fun by the ocean. I also had time to visit the neighborhood, discovering that many hotels have synagogues and mezuzahs.
So was it luck or good thinking? Even without my family there, it was one of the best Pesachs I ever had.
Luci Cohen-Zimering lives in Mountain View.