As we are in the final stretch to Pesach, I want to share one more thought to impact you.
We all have more than one name.
In addition to the name we were given at birth, we acquire names as parts of our identity:
Daughter.
Brother.
Parent.
Grandparent.
Each name reflects a different part of who we are.
A different role. A different responsibility. A different relationship.
Pesach is the same.
It is not just one holiday.
It has four distinct names, and each one reveals something significant about the festival.
Pesach
This name translates to the familiar English name of the holiday, “Passover.” It describes how the Almighty chose who would experience each of the plagues in Egypt, and how He “passed over” the Israelite homes. One aspect of this name is its acknowledgment of what G-d did for us, for our ancestors.
Chag HaMatzot
This translates to the “Festival of Matzah,” celebrating the food that the newly freed slaves made and carried out of Egypt, as directed by the Divine. In contrast to the name “Pesach,” which shows what He did for us, the matzah represents something the people did for Him. We play an active role in our relationship with G-d.
Zman Cheiruteinu
Zman Cheiruteinu means “Time of our Redemption.” This is the overarching experience of leaving slavery and embarking on the journey to the Promised Land.
Chag HaAviv – The Holiday of Spring
With this final name of the holiday, we are celebrating the season, the beautiful time of year when we come together annually to celebrate.
Each of these names is significant in how we observe the holiday, but they can mean something even more to you personally.
I encourage you to choose one of these names and use its intention to experience the holiday, and the time that follows, a little differently.
Think about how you could embody one or more of these ideas.
Putting names into action
1. Pesach – Gratitude
We are grateful for what the Almighty did for us in the Exodus, but what are you grateful for today?
Is there something you could be more appreciative of, from a person or from the Divine?
How can you express that gratitude?
2. Chag HaMatzot – Do more
Just as the Jewish people hurried to make matzah, what is one more thing you can take on with intention?
It could be for yourself, for someone else, or for your family.
It could be a mitzvah or even a thoughtful gesture.
Just do it.
3. Zman Cheiruteinu – Getting unstuck
We are no longer enslaved in Egypt, but we are still stuck in many ways.
Identify where you feel stuck, in a relationship, a pattern, or an expectation, and take one small step toward change.
4. Chag HaAviv – Show up
Springtime is when we notice and value new growth around us.
What new thing can you add?
A good habit.
An overdue phone call.
A new way of showing up as a grandparent.
Spring is not just outside. It is something we create.
Wishing you a Pesach filled with meaning, growth, and renewal,
Rabbanit Sharona Hassan
Founder of Grand Plan
PS. You know what starts right after Pesach?
Becoming the Grandparent You Want to Be workshop series. We will use the Omer period, the time of personal growth from Passover to Shavuot to learn and grow together. Are you ready?
You can learn more and register here.
https://grandplan.kit.com/profile/workshop
PSS. I had the honor of sharing two articles on Grandparents and Pesach in Israeli publications this week.
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/when-parents-become-guests-at-the-seder/
and
https://assets.torahtidbits.com/2026/03/26183518/1654-Tzav-R.Hassan.pdf
And if you are still looking for MORE PESACH INSPIRATION tune into this week's podcast.
Spotify: bit.ly/JewishPodcast
Apple: bit.ly/JewishGrandApple
