If they’re American they do! Though there is no official religious connection to the holiday, Thanksgiving is an American tradition that transcends religious boundaries. For Jewish families, who have a full slate of holidays all throughout the year, Thanksgiving presents a unique opportunity to celebrate in a uniquely American way.
Thanksgiving’s message of gratitude aligns well with Jewish values. Judaism and our teachings emphasize the importance of “Hakarat Ha’Tov,” or recognizing the good in all things. Blessings and prayers of thanks are woven into our daily lives, from blessings before and after meals to special prayers for health, safety, and success.
Another common question we encounter: Thanksgiving revolves so heavily around food, does it interfere with keeping kosher?
The short answer is no. Thanksgiving is very kosher-friendly. The holiday’s staples—turkey, sweet potatoes, cranberries, and roasted vegetables—can easily be prepared in accordance with kosher dietary laws.
Of course, Jewish families often put their own twist on the Thanksgiving cornerstones. Some bring in elements of Jewish cuisine, serving challah stuffing, matzo ball soup, or even adding a Middle Eastern flavor with dishes like sweet potato latkes or pumpkin hummus. It’s a time to get creative in the kitchen, merging American tradition with Jewish culinary heritage.
In the past, Thanksgiving has even intersected with Jewish holidays. Because Thanksgiving falls in late November, on rare occasions it can overlap with Hanukkah.
This once-in-a-lifetime event, known as “Thanksgivukkah,” happened in 2013 and brought together Thanksgiving and Hanukkah traditions in joyous ways, with dishes like cranberry-applesauce and latke-stuffed turkey making special appearances.
In the end, we celebrate Thanksgiving because it gives us an opportunity to share meaningful moments with our family. So, yes, we absolutely celebrate Thanksgiving—and we do it with a splash of Jewish flavor.
For the last two decades, Matisyahu has been redefining Jewish music. With his distinctive blend of reggae, rock, and hip-hop, Matisyahu’s music transcends cultural boundaries with lyrics that deliver messages of hope, unity, and resilience.
Matisyahu’s electrifying stage presence and soulful performances have captivated audiences around the world, making him one of the most celebrated Jewish artists of our time. At Passover 2025, prepare to be moved by his incredible live performance, a highlight of this year’s program.
With their infectious energy and harmonious sound, Distant Cousins has made a name for themselves in the indie-folk-pop world. Their music blends heartfelt lyrics with uplifting melodies, creating a unique sound that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Distant Cousins’ dynamic live performances aren’t to be missed, so this year, we’re bringing them to you. Experience their signature blend of soul and energy, and get ready for a night of celebration, connection and joy when they hit the stage.
An America’s Got Talent finalist. A headliner in major venues around the world. A night with Eric Wilzig promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience. A world-renowned illusionist, Eric’s jaw-dropping stunts and mind-bending tricks have earned him international acclaim.
Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, Eric’s performances will leave you questioning what’s real, and craving more! Get ready to be amazed by Eric Wilzig’s night of magic, theater and audience interaction.
Andrew Galitzer brings life and Torah to life with his whimsical cartoons, comic books and interactive storytelling. A talented cartoonist and educator, Andrew has a knack for sparking creativity and joy in audiences of all ages.
His fun, family-friendly approach makes him a perfect addition to Lasko Getaways programming, where his engaging art demonstrations and workshops will inspire kids (and adults!) to unleash their imaginations. Andrew’s talent lies not just in his art, but in the way he connects with people through it.
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Saul Blinkoff’s inspiring journey from aspiring artist to Disney animator and filmmaker is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of dreaming big. Known for his work on beloved films like Pocahontas and Mulan, Saul has a gift for bringing stories to life.
At Passover 2025, he’ll share behind-the-scenes insights into his creative process, instructional sessions on drawing the world’s most beloved characters, and offer motivational lessons on following your dreams. His engaging talks are a must-see for anyone looking for inspiration, whether you’re an aspiring artist or simply love a good story.
As a renowned Jewish educator and historian, Ari Lamm bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, offering profound insights into Torah, Jewish history, and culture.
With a deep understanding of Jewish texts and their relevance to contemporary life, Ari has become a sought-after speaker in Jewish communities around the world. His lectures are thought-provoking and accessible, making ancient wisdom resonate in today’s world. At Passover 2025, Ari will inspire audiences with his passion for Jewish learning and his ability to connect the past to the present.
Sharon Mazel is a trusted voice in parenting and child development, co-authoring the best-selling What to Expect When You’re Expecting series. With years of experience helping parents navigate the challenges of raising children, Sharon offers practical advice grounded in compassion and expertise.
Adam Neuman is a strategic leader with a proven track record of fostering growth and community. As the former Chief of Staff for the Big Ten Conference (and currently for the Baltimore Ravens), he played a pivotal role in advancing its mission through innovative policies and collaboration.
With expertise in organizational strategy and relationship building, Adam’s insights on leadership and teamwork inspire audiences to think boldly and embrace meaningful change. At Passover 2025, Adam will share his experiences and actionable strategies for creating impact in both personal and professional spheres.
Ami is known for making audiences laugh around the world with his razor wit, spot-on impressions, and gut-busting sketches.
In front of the camera, Kozak regularly posts comedy skits and sketches to his popular Instagram and Tok Tok channels. Additionally, he is a composer and singer-songwriter, and is a part of the indie-pop band Distant Cousins. The band’s music has featured in several films, television and commercials over the years. Together, Kozak and co have garnered a worldwide following.
Yechiel made his mark sharing the truth about Israel, making us cry laughing in the process. With millions of views and a dedicated global fanbase, Yechiel's laugh-out-loud videos have taken the internet by storm.
Now, he’s bringing his magnetic charm and infectious humour to the stage. After debuting at the Laugh Factory in LA and performing at top venues across the US, Canada, and beyond, Yechiel is heading to Miami. Laugh, connect, be inspired, and witness the rise of a comedic star!
A self-described VERY Jewish comedian, Eli delivers sharp, irreverent takes on everything you ever learned in day school. He has performed all over the US, Canada, and Israel telling jokes to Jews at shul dinners, Passover programs and other times when they’re eating. He regularly opens for Elon Gold and was featured in the Chosen Comedy Festival in 2023.
Eli is also one of the co-creators of J-Sketch, the Orthodox Jewish world’s recent viral sketch group. You have likely seen some of these sketches forwarded to a WhatsApp group you’re in.
This incredible lineup of performers and speakers is just one part of the unforgettable Passover experience we’ve planned for you. From Matisyahu’s electrifying music to Sharon Mazel’s parenting wisdom, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, learn, and be inspired by. Whether you’re relaxing with family, exploring new ideas, or dancing the night away, Passover 2025 at Lasko Getaways promises to be a holiday like no other.Don’t miss your chance to experience this extraordinary program. Secure your spot today and get ready to celebrate, connect, and create memories that will last a lifetime!
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