By Lieba Nesis
As Passover looms, what was once a joyous holiday where thousands would gather to sing and eat is now looking like a gloomy custom with minimal socialization. Forced to hold lockdown seders with small family gatherings at best, the Jewish community will face one of its biggest challenges yet. Hopefully, they will heed the warnings to self isolate so as not to repeat the mistakes of Purim which led to hundreds of unneeded hospitalizations.
Since there are currently no Passover programs proceeding, each tour took a different course concerning refunds. The Doral Miami, owned by President Trump, which cost $12,000 for room and food for two adults, gave back 100% of the money to its participants. The sold-out Waldorf Orlando which costs $10,000 for a double occupancy room with food, returned 75% of the money since they were still on the hook with vendors-allowing an additional 10% towards next years payment. The Biltmore Arizona returned 70% of the money or allowed 100% of the payment carried towards the following year. The “Kosher Travelers” tour in Havana, Cuba refunded 70% of the money. Unlike the decency these tours displayed, Magen David Yeshivah is still waiting for its $2.3 million refund from the Eden Roc, after it booked 621 rooms for 1,200 guests to eat and enjoy the beautiful Miami Beaches. Hopefully, this deposit will be imminently returned or else a permanent stain on the Eden Roc’s reputation will ensure the Jewish community boycotts this hotel in the future. The best option for families staying home is ordering take-out from restaurants such as Kosher Marketplace who are doing a brisk business due to the increased demand.
As for eggs in Israel, it appears they are unfortunately experiencing a shortage due to coronavirus hoarding and difficulties importing eggs from hard-hit countries such as Spain and Italy. Consequently, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon announced they will be subsidizing egg importation from Europe with over ten cargo planes flying over 30 million eggs. Over the past couple of weeks Israel has prohibited customers from buying more than one of two dozen eggs with some conditioning the sale on purchases of over NIS 150 ($42) in groceries. A dangerous black market in eggs has developed as Jews clamor to obtain eggs to dip in salt water for the Seder or as a main ingredient in matzah ball soup. Many who have ordered eggs online have been left empty-handed and tips for egg substitutes are trending on social media. Israel, sufficiently burdened with its 7800 coronavirus cases, is now being left eggless-a dire situation that is no “yoke”.
