A Passover Message from Fran Putney
Fran Putney shares her thoughts and inspiration for Passover this year.
Passover 2025
With Passover just days away from this writing, it is all too easy to be consumed by the logistical parts of hosting a seder: Will my new table arrive in time? Will the house be clean? What is my menu and when will I shop? Will my vegetarian guests have enough to eat?
Those things must be addressed, but the most important part of Passover for me has always been the community and participation of the gathering. This holiday has wonderful childhood memories for me – usually large seders with cousins and friends. As an adult, I also embrace the opportunities Passover provides to get some meaningful discussions rolling.
Our participants this year will include a college student, young adults in an assortment of professions, working parents and retired parents, so we will have many perspectives represented. As we pass the matzah and enjoy the meal, I hope to get them talking. What are the Passover themes that are resonating with everyone this year? What freedoms are we celebrating? What are the obstacles that still “enslave” each of us?
Each year, I think how meaningful it would be to create a family Haggadah that everyone would contribute to. I admire families who have done this – to personalize their holiday in this way by telling the Passover story with creativity and emphasizing themes that feel close to each of us. If your family has done this, I would love to hear from you! fran@atljewishtimes.com
Fran Putney is the Proofreader and Staff Writer for the Atlanta Jewish Times.
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