Passover Information
Passover is an eight-day Jewish holiday, also called Pesach in Hebrew. It commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Passover/Pesach is observed by avoiding leavening and is often celebrated with Seder meals that include wine, matzah (unleavened bread), bitter herbs and the recitation of the Haggadah, or the story of Exodus. Many Passover celebrations focus on themes of memory, community, social justice and freedom.
Passover 2024 begins at sundown on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nissan (Monday, April 22) and ends the evening of the 22nd of Nissan (Tuesday, April 30). The 2024 MTA Annual Meeting of Delegates falls during Passover.
CONVENTION CENTER FOOD – WHAT TO EXPECT
MTA asked the MassMutual Center vendors to provide Passover-friendly foods, which may not be strictly kosher for Passover but may be acceptable to some people observing the holiday. If you have additional suggestions for the list below, please complete the form at the bottom of this page.
We requested food options that do not contain:
- Chametz (Leavened foods made of grain)
- Dairy and meat together
- Pork
- Shellfish
- Corn
- Rice
- Legumes
We requested:
- Prepackaged snacks with the Kosher for Passover Pareve symbol
- Foods that have labels indicating ingredients forbidden/restricted during Passover (wheat, shellfish, corn/corn syrup, sesame, dairy/meat, rice, oatmeal, legumes, mustard, poppy seeds. Are we missing anything? Please use the form to help us improve this list!)
Note: If you need a meal that is prepared in a kitchen that is Kosher for Passover, please use the form below to indicate so. We can outsource strict Kosher meals. The price for these meals will be high, and you may prefer to bring in your own food – which is permitted.
RESOURCES AROUND SPRINGFIELD FOR MEMBERS CELEBRATING PASSOVER
Sinai Temple, Springfield
Congregation B’Nai Torah, Longmeadow
Springfield Jewish Community Center
Kosher Coffee Corner at the Springfield Jewish Community Center, 1160 Dickinson St., Springfield. Hours are limited. Call ahead to check the hours: 413-739-4715.
Paul and Elizabeth’s: not Kosher, but Kosher-friendly vegetarian and fish restaurant in Northampton, recommended by Springfield Jewish Community Center.
Super Stop & Shop, East Longmeadow, sells Kosher groceries and baked goods, recommended by Springfield Jewish Community Center.
Nadim’s Downtown Mediterranean Grill: Not Kosher, but Kosher-friendly. Walking distance to MassMutual Center.
RESOURCES FOR MEMBERS WHO WOULD LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PASSOVER
https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/passover-foods-and-the-passover-kitchen/
https://toriavey.com/what-foods-are-kosher-for-passover/
Kosher - CONGREGATION B’NAI TORAH (bnaitorahma.org)
OTHER RESOURCES
New England Jewish Labor Committee: https://www.newenglandjewishlabor.org/
Passover requests form
Please complete this form if you are attending Annual Meeting in person, will be celebrating Passover and have specific requests regarding food and beverage offerings.