For as long as I can remember, participating in Pesach programs has been a treasured family tradition. Growing up, celebrating Pesach at the Stevensville in Swan Lake was a highly anticipated event. Izzy and Irwin Mehl and their wives were gracious hosts who put their heart and soul into making every guest feel like family. At that time, there were a few Pesach programs, but for many families, Stevensville was the Pesach program of choice. Everything was impeccable—the highest standards of kashrus, the program itself—lectures, entertainment, the day camp, nice accommodations, and a ‘baalabatish’ crowd. It was an environment conducive to forming friendships and even shidduchim. Back then, Pesach at the Stevensville was considered “The Crown Jewel of Pesach Programs.” At the end of each Pesach, we’d reserve our rooms for the following year. There was no need for performing due diligence on other programs—we knew exactly where we’d be experiencing a true oneg yom tov.
You can well imagine the dismay of the entire “Stevensville Pesach Chevrah” when the property was sold, leaving little choice but to choose other Pesach options. Although by that time, there were more possibilities than in years past, the process for planning a Pesach vacation had become a challenge. We would see an ad for a Pesach program that seemed promising, call the program operator for more information and a price quote, and wait days to receive a response—and sometimes no response at all. After investing incessant hours, if we did manage to connect, the program director was often unwilling to quote a price without an immediate reservation.
Finding the perfect Pesach Program became a frustrating process. One Pesach, we ended up at a program in a charming hotel that was understaffed and ill-prepared to run a Pesach program. The nightmare began at the first Seder when, after serving half the tables, the menu options were depleted and the staff called it a night. From there, things rapidly went downhill, with the program director absconding during chol hamoed, leaving his guests famished and furious.
Our experience at an upscale venue the following Pesach was disappointing as well. Although the gourmet cuisine was masterfully prepared and in abundance, we felt extremely uncomfortable within the hotel’s environment. “There was no available option for separate swimming and although the hashgacha and kashrus standards were impeccable, without casting aspersions, the program was not “the right fit” for our family.
By the following year, we had become more proficient in navigating the Pesach process and finally were able to experience a Pesach of much content, after conducting extensive research.
Fast forward several decades. By now, the locations, amenities, culinary experiences, and types of experiences are endless. Exploring all the options has become like going down a rabbit hole. Indeed, this year, the number of Pesach programs worldwide has virtually exploded, with over 100 options being offered for Passover 2025.
Among the choices offered in the United States are programs in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, and more. Additionally, many of Mexico’s fabulous beach resorts as well, including Cabo San Lucas, Cabos, Cancun, Playa del Carmen Riviera Maya, and more.
Featured Europe destinations for programs include England, France, Italy, and Spain, while those opting to celebrate Pesach in the Middle East will find destinations in Israel and Dubai. So many choices, so much to do—where to begin? Add to that, the ever-spiraling cost of participating in a Pesach program, some of which can command an exorbitant six-figure amount.
Pricing is determined by a variety of factors, including location, size, and quality of the hotel and rooms, and the amenities offered. A luxurious five-star resort offering white-glove service will command a much higher price than a three-star hotel offering basic amenities.
Despite the broad price range, there are Pesach programs to fit every budget. With various room types, meal options, and activity offerings, families can find programs that meet their yom tov needs and are within the parameters of their budget.
The location of a Pesach program plays an important role in determining its price. Programs situated in high-demand destinations such as Arizona or Florida typically command higher prices. These areas are renowned for their luxurious resorts and scenic beauty, which naturally drives up the cost of accommodations and services.
On the other hand, Pesach programs in Europe can often present more affordable options, although this depends greatly on the specific country and the amenities provided by the program. For example, a program in Spain may cost less than a program in Switzerland due to differences in living costs and the scale of services offered.
A key factor to consider is the cost of travel. While flights to certain destinations like Europe might be more expensive compared to domestic destinations, the overall cost of the program can still end up being more economical. Many of these programs are designed to offer comprehensive packages that, even with the addition of flight expenses, offer a cost-effective solution compared to equivalent programs in pricier locations. Moreover, these destinations offer the value of exploring a new culture and setting, which can enhance your Pesach experience.
The price range for Pesach programs varies widely. There are programs that cost less than $1,500 per person or as much as $15,000 or more. These prices are for adults based on double occupancy.
Keep in mind that many of these programs offer discounts. These can be for returning customers, early-bird, paid-by-date, or for larger groups.
Once you’ve figured out your budget and destination, how do you determine which program is for you?
First you should determine what criteria are important to you. What size program do you prefer? How old are your children? Do you have a preference for family regarding separate swimming? Do you eat gebrokts or kitniyos? What about cholov Yisrael or bishul akum? Does the program permit you to bring your pet? Would you consider a hotel that is open to other guests? Would you use a Shabbos elevator or do you want a room on a lower floor?
As exhilarating as celebrating with family at a Pesach Program may be, finding the option that best meets your family’s needs and is within the parameters of one’s budget, can be a daunting and debilitating experience, involving months of unanswered inquiries to program directors. Often inundated with frivolous requests, many of these program operators have neither the time nor the inclination to respond to random pricing requests.
But lest you feel disheartened, overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of it all, and are ready to forego the plethora of possibilities a Pesach program provides—not to worry. Passover Listings will facilitate the entire process seamlessly and with alacrity. It’s a great initiative that includes an extensive global network of Pesach programs featuring a multitude of stellar services and honest reviews—with authenticity and integrity as its hallmark. Passover Listings is the culmination of the collaborative efforts of Doni Schwartz and Daniel Kramer brought to fruition. Daring to tread where no one had before, the dynamic duo has virtually eliminated the danger of being subjected to a Pesach Program fiasco or paying a six-figure fee for what was falsely advertised as a luxury Pesach experience in a world-class, only to discover that although the hotel was magnificent, there was a dearth of food, beginning at the Sedarim, and lasting throughout yom tov.
Not content to rest on their laurels as the premier platform for Pesach Programs, the two friends and business partners added an innovative and exciting new feature last year. Two years in the making, the dynamic duo conducted extensive research prior to introducing the Passover Pricing Tool. User friendly, this cutting-edge feature greatly facilitates the pricing process by providing travelers with immediate basic pricing information. Here is how it works: a potential traveler enters the number of standard rooms they are interested in booking as well as the number of guests (categorized by adults, teenagers, and children). Next, a maximum budget is set. To further refine the results, features such as location and program name can be selected. Now, all of the details can be submitted directly to the program operators who will respond with the requested pricing details. Should the user be interested in performing due diligence regarding multiple programs, there’s no need to repeat the process each time—simply click on the designated button, and the Passover Pricing Tool will deliver the details within seconds. A world of Pesach Program Pricing is just a click away.
Since its inception, the Passover Pricing Tool has elicited an unprecedented response from prospective Passover guests and program owners alike. Members of both groups stressed the importance of knowing the price in advance and how vital transparency is to both groups.
With their finger on the pulse of technology and focus on affording discerning kosher travelers an unforgettable and seamless Pesach experience, the Passover Listings dream team is already exploring uncharted territories.
For further information, please visit passoverlistings.com or Passover Program Reviews on Facebook.
Rochelle Maruch Miller is a contributing editor for the Five Towns Jewish Times. She is a journalist, creative media consultant, lecturer, educator, and writes for magazines, newspapers, websites, and private clients. She welcomes your comments at RochelleMiller04@aol.com. Read more of Rochelle Maruch Miller’s articles at 5TJT.com.
