YOUNGSTOWN — Future generations will be able to share the story of how Passover Seder was celebrated virtually in 2020 as people were confined to their homes because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Members of Congregation Rodef Sholom in Youngstown had its members and guests meet via Zoom for one hour on the temple’s website where Rabbi Frank Muller led the Passover Seder ceremony while others watched from their homes singing, reciting, eating and also responding to questions Muller asked via chat.

People could be seen logged in on the screen, including residents from Levy Garden Assisted Living in Youngstown. The site showed more than 50 participants logged in for the Seder.

“This is truly a different kind of Seder experience. We wish we could be celebrating this holiday like we always have together with families and friends gathered around a festive holiday table. … We can ask how is this year different from all other years? Sadly we know the answer is because of the spread of COVID-19, which has forced us to be sheltered in our homes not with all those who we usually celebrate Seder with,” Muller said.

Muller said people in the future will not forget where they were for the Passover Seder in 2020, just as they remember where they were for other historical events.

“People will be able to share where they were for Passover Seder 2020 with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They can share the experience with them,” he said.

He said in 2021, people will be able to be together and celebrate Seder in the usual manner under what he said may be a “new normal.”

Muller said Seder does allow for itself to be done virtually as all the Passover rituals and customs can be followed by watching on the screen such as breaking and eating the matzah. When Muller ate the celery or parsley or raised a cup and drank the wine, those at home were asked to do the same.

“We celebrate the Seder virtually as the Jewish people when faced with a crisis respond with faith, optimism and creativity. That is exactly what we are doing with an online Seder. We are making the best of a very difficult situation in stressful times and overcoming the obstacles of physical distancing,” he said.

He said the lesson of Seder this year is while many things have changed in the past month, connecting with family and friends in some way is important.

Muller said it is important to keep in perspective the difference between an inconvenience and a problem because of the coronavirus, such as having to home school students as compared to a child with a fever or missing an elective surgery compared to a loved one on a ventilator in the hospital.

“Certain things are inconveniences and certain things are problems. We have to know the difference and get a grip. This whole coronavirus crisis has given us the opportunity to gain perspective to not take life for granted and what is important in life,” he said.

Positive responses to being at home at this time include reconnecting and spending time with family.

When asked to respond with names of songs to provide hope people suggested “We Are the World,” “You Got a Friend” and “Stand By Me.”

One main part of Seder is the washing of hands, which is even more important today.

“As you know, the ritual handwashing is part of every Seder, but this year it has taken on a special significance as we have a new normal in our everyday lives performing this sanitary preventive measure multiple times each day to do good for the world,” he said

Muller said many today are making sacrifices such as social distancing and staying inside their homes because of the coronavirus, which is a plague of today just like the plagues in Egypt.

He said being confined in homes today is similar in a way to what the ancient Hebrews experienced being confined in slavery in Egypt until they were liberated. Muller said while the Seder remembers the liberation of people from Egypt, it also celebrates the symbol of spring.

“Happiness can be celebrated even in the darkest of times,” he said.

Darlene Muller, who assisted her husband with aspects of the broadcast such as lighting of candles, wished everyone a “Happy Passover Seder,” saying she missed being with everyone as they usually are at this time.