Carrying on traditions of inclusion and belonging: Expanding the Hag Sameach Passover Program across the river
By Lucy Marshall • Director of Engagement & Education
Every year, Passover Seders around the world begin with the same invitation: “All who are hungry, come and eat. All who are in need, come and celebrate Passover.”
During this pivotal moment of celebration and connection, Jewish tradition emphasizes the importance of ensuring that everyone in our community can access this ritual meal. In this way, the Passover holiday is not only about re-telling our story of liberation. It is also about taking action today to create a liberatory community – a community where all our neighbors have the resources they need to nourish their minds, bodies, and spirits.
At Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minnesota, we know that holidays are at the heart of belonging. Our Hag Sameach (Happy Holidays) Passover Program provides ritual items and foods to community members experiencing isolation, financial hardship, and/or other barriers to their holiday celebrations. This gift bag is often a family’s only opportunity to obtain the items they need to enjoy the rich traditions of Passover.
In 2025, JFCS of Minneapolis served over 240 families for Passover, and Jewish Family Service of St. Paul delivered 144 Passover packages through its Passover for All Program. This year, as a newly united organization, we will expand our reach and deepen our impacts on both sides of the river.
Here are a few initiatives that will be NEW to the St. Paul area community in 2026. As we launch Hag Sameach as one united JFCS program, these robust offerings will continue to be available to Minneapolis area residents as well.
- Recipients will now have access to Hag Sameach’s signature personalized Passover gift bags. By providing choice about dietary restrictions and what items are included, we center the dignity and autonomy of all recipients.
- Clergy and other community leaders may now refer recipients through a personalized intake process. This system ensures that recipients consent to receiving a Passover gift bag. It also provides opportunities to connect them with JFCS services for additional needs, such as mental health counseling, Senior Services case management, food security support, and more.
- Volunteers will have the meaningful opportunity to deliver Passover gift packages to their neighbors, including an option for an extended social visit with a Senior Services client to reduce isolation and foster connection around the holiday.
- Community groups will add joy and connection to each gift bag through thoughtful handmade items, Passover cards from HaLev Early Childhood students at the JCC Capp Center and specialized ritual items by request from Heritage Judaica.
As Passover approaches soon, please join us in carrying on the Jewish traditions of inclusion and belonging. Donate, volunteer, share about the Hag Sameach Passover Program with others, and/or complete a confidential self-referral to receive Passover ritual items and food. Together, we are co-creating a liberatory community, where all who are hungry can come and eat, and all who are in need can come and celebrate Passover. Thank you for making this vision possible.
Learn more about the Hag Sameach Passover Program here.
