Passover, celebrated in 2024 from the evening of April 22nd to the evening of April 30th, offers a great opportunity for a family vacation. However, not everyone has the luxury of taking an extended break for overseas or even domestic travel. This is particularly true when considering the additional days required for travel to and from a destination. For some people, it’s just easier to stick the kids in the car and drive an hour or three to a Passover program. 

For those working in New York or New Jersey, there are excellent Passover program options to consider. Imagine being able to escape for the holiday to a location just a car ride away. This is especially convenient for those who might need to return to the office for a day or two during Chol Hamoed. You can commute to work and still be back in time for dinner at your Passover program. 

The Pesach programs in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland aren't just about proximity; they're also about convenience in the truest sense. By choosing one of these Passover programs, you can avoid the exhaustive preparations typically associated with Passover.

One of the biggest challenges of Pesach is the extensive preparation it requires. This includes thoroughly cleaning the home, endless shopping for specific kosher-for-Passover items, and the time-consuming cooking. For many, these tasks can be overwhelming, especially when balancing work and family responsibilities.

These Pesch programs provide the perfect balance, allowing you to immerse yourself in the Passover spirit without dealing with the holiday preparations and the need to take a full week off work. Whether you're looking to maintain your work commitments or simply prefer to stay closer to home, these nearby options ensure you can enjoy Passover in a special setting while remaining within commuting distance to your workplace.

Villa Roma Resort & Spa in Callicoon with FFH Events: Hotel, located upstate in the mountains, only two hours from NYC and is exclusive for guests of the program. The hotel boasts a spa, gym, indoor pool, playground and more. Enjoy delicious food, delightful entertainment and uplifting speakers.

The Ocean Place Resort & Spa at the Jersey Shore with Leisure Time Tours: Just over an hour drive from NYC, this is a great option for people who don’t have travel time and need to work on Chol Hamoed. This is a full-service resort with a luxury spa as well as indoor and outdoor pool so you can swim regardless of the weather. Enjoy gourmet Pesach cuisine, day camp for the kids and fantastice entertainment.

The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park at the Jersey Shore with Pesach Time Tours: About an hour away from NYC, this hotel on the boardwalk at the Jersey Shore offers a great Pesach program for people who need to be near work. Entire resort taken over for Passover program. Visit the fitness center, play basketball or hang out in the game room. Enjoy delicious meals, lectures, shiurim, day camp for the kids and nightly entertainment. 

Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center: Located in the Berkshire Mountains around two hours from NYC. Features programs and activities for all ages, and communal seders with semi-private options available. Enjoy classes on various topics, tours of the organic farm, guided trail hikes with extended excursion options, boating and more fun activities.

Pearlstone Center in Maryland: Great program that is about a four hour drive from NYC. It might be a bit far if you have to go in on Chol Hamoed but it’s close enough that you can drive down on Erev Pesach and be back home on Tuesday night after Pesach ends and get to work on Wednesday morning. The retreat center features an educational farm, hikes, lectures, activities and programming for children and adults.

Passover programs close to home eliminate the stress of the holiday. These programs take care of all the details - from providing a clean, chametz-free environment to serving gourmet Pesach cuisine. This allows you to fully immerse in the Pesach traditions without the added burden of cleaning, shopping, and cooking.

The flexibility of these programs means that you can manage your work commitments more effectively. Many people find that they can handle work tasks at night or take some time off work without the need to sacrifice their entire holiday. This balance is particularly beneficial for those who need to stay connected with their workplace on Chol Hamoed Pesach.

These Passover programs offer more than just a convenient location; they provide a complete, stress-free Pesach experience. They allow you to celebrate Pesach while maintaining your work-life balance, all without the added pressures of holiday preparations.