Passover Programs in Canada, what makes it different?

Passover is a unique celebration for the Jewish community, always celebrated in the spring of the year. During Passover the Jewish community usually refrain from working at their jobs if possible, and often opt to plan their family vacations to coincide with the holiday week.

What makes Passover programs so special?

One of the primary differences you see between Passover celebrations is the food that is being served. There are some kosher restrictions that apply to all Jewish people no matter where they are located. These restrictions do not stop each local community from implementing their own flare in dishes, seasonings and presentation.

You will undoubtedly find matzah on the majority of all seder menus. Matzah is an unleavened bread that is serve during this holiday celebration. It meets the requirements of no chametz and it is something that connects all of the Jewish followers together.

The diverse dishes that are served during these celebrations are ways for each family to strengthen the bonds they have together. Going to different destinations during the Pesach holiday will give you and your family an opportunity to try the many different options available, and then develop a unique family tradition of combining your favorite dishes from all over the world.

Canada Passover Programs

There is a fabulous resort in Mont Tremblant that participates in a delightful Passover program. The festivities are held at the Le Grand Lodge. This superb location is only one hour, by car, from the center of Montreal.

The lodge is positioned on the side of Lake Ouimet. Guests are provided with a stunning view of the mountains and the forest areas just across the lake. Each guest has a private balcony from which they can view the scenery. Guests enjoy fine kosher dining. Chief rabbi David Sabbah supervises the preparation of the lodge for the Passover guests. The fire that is used to prepare the meals is lit by a Jewish observer. Guests can enjoy a group seder in the grand dining room or they can have private family seders in their rooms and suites.

If you prefer to prepare your own seder meal, each of the rooms has a complete kitchen that is fully equipped and ready for you. All of the utensils and crockery is chametz free. Your family can have the unique food and atmosphere that is part of your family tradition. There is a family living room in the suite so the family can gather together and spend quality time sharing the experiences. There is also two king sized beds, one in each bedroom, and a Murphy bed and sofa bed in the living room. 

During the day guests can enjoy world class skiing opportunities that are close to the lodge. There are also exceptional golf courses available and luxurious spas that can help you wash away the stress and begin to truly relax. The Olympic sized swimming pool has a lifeguard on duty so your family can enjoy the water without fear of accidents. There are fitness rooms in the lodge, and whirlpools and saunas for you to use.

Religious serves will include two daily minyanim lectures in the synagogue. The religious services are led by the in-house Rabbi and staff. You will have the opportunity to worship and give glory to God in the way that your religion has instructed you to.

Tours of the quaint villages surrounding the lodge are available. You can also opt to go into the villages without a guide and experience the true culture of the people, as you shop in their shops and stop at their dining establishments. If you like nature walks then you will delight in the hundreds of kilometers of natural paths through the villages and around the scenic lake. Mount Tremblant National Park is in close proximity and you can truly see the beauty of the Canadian wilderness.  You can go horseback riding on many of the trails and get in touch with nature. You can also take an ATV and ride to explore farther regions that you simply would not want to walk to. You can go tubing on the lake and enjoy the water, and in the evening, you can light the fireplace in your suite and enjoy the beautiful romantic glow that only can be gotten from a roaring fire.  Take an airplane ride above the area and get an arial view of the majestic mountain peaks, and the natural scenic areas lying around the lodge. God made this beautiful country, and God freed the Jewish people so they could have an opportunity to experience his craftmanship.

A trip to Canada during Passover could introduce your family to so many wonderful things that they have never experienced before. It is time to get out of our cocoons and go explore the destinations and locations of the North East, the South, the East and the West. Visit the Whistler Blackcomb where the 2010 Winter Olympics were held. Some of the best snow is found in this region during the spring. Go skiing and snowboarding through white snow, down peaks and slopes that were used by Olympic athletes.  Go to the Niagara Region and see the wonder of Niagara Falls. See the sights, smell the aromas, and feel the freedom of 2022 as you enjoy a grand Passover.

Now is the right time to be proud of your Jewish heritage and to explore the pride that the Jewish communities around the world have in their religion and their God. Each time you visit a Passover friendly hotel or resort you are upholding the Godly tradition of lending a hand to your neighbor. You are supporting local people who need your tourism dollars to sustain their way of life and their family traditions.

How To Be Money Smart During A Vacation in Maine

The growth in tourism in Maine has surged in recent years, clocking up around $975 million in the state during 2016, up 15 percent from the previous year, according to the Maine Office of Tourism. The lure of this rocky coastline and rolling landscapes shows no signs of slowing down with more and more visitors being attracted to a peaceful getaway in this most north-eastern region of the country. Whether you’re looking to save for a family vacation, relocation or simply wanting to explore it’s natural charm, finding way to look after your cash will help you get the most of your time in Maine and is key to a successful trip.

Be prepared before you leave

One of the most common mistakes people make when taking a vacation is not planning ahead for possible financial difficulties so that they’re adequately equipped before they happen. Organizing your finances and budgeting realistically will go a long way to ensuring your won’t overspend while you’re enjoying the sights of Maine. According to Crediful, creating a money management plan which combines all your credit or debit cards or personal loans, as well as knowing your credit score prior to leaving will help you take control of your money. It’s also a good idea to think about setting up automated text alerts and payments so you’re covered while you’re on your vacation and will help you keep track of your spending.

Choose the right time to go

As with most coastal destinations, choosing to go in the summer months is peak travel season and prices can be much higher. However, if you consider visiting during the fall foliage or ski season, you’ll be rewarded by considerably lower accommodation rates. After all, Maine is known as ‘vacationland’ for good reasons. Think about what you want from your Maine holiday and adapt it according to how much you can afford to spend while you’re there. If you do decide to visit during the summer season, find alternatives from the big name towns and opt for smaller ones instead such as Waldoboro, Searsport or Southwest Harbor which will help your money go further.

Live like a Maine local

Avoiding tourist traps and embracing your holiday like one of the locals will significantly reduce your vacation spending and there’s plenty of fantastic and free things to do while you’re in Maine. Take advantage of the array of outdoor recreation opportunities which won’t cost you a cent, including the Acadia National Park, and enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife without spending a fortune. Find deals for a park pass and search locally for discounts for restaurants, music concerts or family events, many of which are free during the summer season. Explore the farmer’s markets for immersing yourself in the local food culture which Maine is famous for.

The state of Maine is a destination that is thriving with natural wonders, delicious cuisine and cultural attractions so you’ll never run out of things to do. Just make sure you keep track of your spending so you don’t run out of cash while you’re there!

Consider Doing Something Else

While there is no denying the importance of traveling, you should consider other important places where you can spend your extra money. If you feel like traveling, you should not wait for anything and go for it before it starts to affect your health. However, if it’s not important, you should think about investing it in a house. You don’t need a lot of money to become a homeowner. Simply check the USDA loan eligibility, use your savings, and get a house that you can rent out if not live in.