Few Yamim Tovim cause more stress and tension than Pesach. But it doesn’t need to be that way. Reprogram your thoughts — and your schedule — and enjoy the holiday of freedom.
Ask a room full of Jewish homemakers what is their favorite Jewish holiday. How many will answer “Pesach!”? Not many.
Why? A large part of the difficulties of Pesach stem from negative thought patterns that lead to self-induced pressure and suffering. Let’s examine the popular Pesach misconceptions and discuss reframes that will allow us to approach the Yom Tov with less stress and greater happiness. Hopefully once you implement the reframes most of you will agree: Pesach is a wonderful Yom Tov!
Popular Misconception #1
Traditionally homemakers have shivered in their boots when thinking about Pesach. For many the preparations for the holiday the Seder itself the two rounds of Yom Tov sandwiched between the intermediary cooking days (aka Chol HaMoed) — all of it — seem somehow overwhelming (don’t ask me why).
A typical sentiment is expressed by Ilana: “I find that my days are always full. I don’t have ‘extra’ time ever. I wake up sleep deprived because of the baby who needs to be nursed at night and the toddler who is always in my bed for one reason or another. I get the kids ready for school and do car pool and run errands. I work part-time. I have to make dinner and stay on top of laundry and shopping. When the older ones come home there’s homework to do and bath time and bedtime. I really don’t see where I can fit in another enormous task like Pesach cleaning turning the house over making Yom Tov and all the rest. Just thinking about it makes me feel unbelievably stressed.”
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