Passover Services at The Jewish Hospital

Mercy Health - Cincinnati, which provides advanced, compassionate, quality care in your neighborhood through its care network, announces that The Jewish Hospital is offering special services to patients, their families and doctors, nurses and staff in recognition of the Passover holiday.

The eight-day festival of Passover (Pesach in Hebrew) is celebrated in the early spring and it commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. During Passover, Jews celebrate freedom and refrain from eating or owning leaven. They hold a ritual feast known as the Seder to mark the beginning of Passover. The Seder includes a festive meal, special songs, stories, rituals and symbols.

This year, Passover begins at sundown on Monday, April 10 and concludes at sundown on Tuesday, April 18. The following programs and services are available at The Jewish Hospital during Passover:

• Food and Nutrition Services is providing Kosher for Passover meal trays upon request for patients. These meals contain no wheat, rye, barley, oats, corn or spelt that has not been baked into the form of “matzah” (unleavened bread). The meals are prepared under Orthodox supervision and approval. Kosher for Passover meals may be available in the cafeteria for associates who order in advance.

• On Monday, April 10, Rabbi Elena Stein will visit all Jewish patients in the hospital. She will bring a “haggadah” (Seder prayer book) and provide patients and their loved ones with the opportunity to enjoy festival songs or readings. Rabbi Stein can also provide pastoral support and answer questions about the Passover observance at the hospital.

• During Passover, the cafeteria will offer Passover-style selections. The ingredients in these menu items are appropriate for Passover but the meals are not prepared under rabbinic supervision.