From the whimsical to the profoundly reflective, the 2026 holiday season provided a window into the private rituals of the world’s most visible figures. As families gathered for the Seder, the intersection of ancient tradition and modern digital storytelling became clear, offering a glimpse into how Jewish celebrities celebrated Passover 2026 through a blend of humor, culinary experimentation, and poignant remembrance.
Passover, the “Festival of Freedom,” is traditionally centered on the Seder—a ritual feast that commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. While the core elements of the holiday—the matzah, the bitter herbs, and the retelling of the story—remain constant, the ways in which these traditions are personalized vary wildly. This year, social media feeds became a digital extension of the Seder table, showcasing everything from high-fashion aesthetics to irreverent jokes about dietary restrictions.
For many of these public figures, the holiday served as more than just a religious observance; it was an opportunity to engage with themes of generational legacy and global peace during a period of continued geopolitical tension. Whether through elaborate costumes or quiet prayers, the celebrations mirrored the diverse ways the Jewish community navigates identity in the public eye.
Performance and Play: Bringing the Exodus to Life
For some, the Seder is an opportunity for theatrical storytelling. Tovah Feldshuh, the veteran actress known for her commanding stage and screen presence, turned her family gathering into a living history lesson. Feldshuh arrived at the Seder dressed as the Egyptian princess who rescued Moses from the Nile, accessorizing her look with jelly rings. The commitment to the theme extended to her husband and son, who portrayed “Moses #1” and “Moses #2,” while the children joined in as butterflies, soccer players, and even a banana.
The choice was a deliberate effort to engage the younger generation. “And you shall teach your children from generation to generation,” Feldshuh wrote on Instagram. “What better way to do that then dress up as the characters and act it out and then ask the children to do the same.” The actress, who fans are anticipating in the third season of the Netflix series “Nobody Wants This,” highlighted the importance of active participation in maintaining cultural heritage.
In a different vein of performance, Jack Black utilized his platform during a promotion for his fifth appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” When co-host Jack White referred to the upcoming episode as the “Easter indicate,” Black pivoted to acknowledge the Jewish holiday, calling it “the Passover show, homey.” In typical Black fashion, he described both holidays as “metal,” citing the imagery of lamb’s blood and the epic scale of the Exodus as evidence of their intensity. Black has a history of blending rock-and-roll energy with tradition, previously sharing a high-energy cover of “Chad Gadya,” the traditional Passover song about a stubborn goat.
The Culinary Tradition: From Matzah Pizza to Gourmet Brisket
Food is the heartbeat of the Passover experience, and the 2026 celebrations showcased the spectrum between “survival food” and gourmet feasts. Mayim Bialik, the “The Big Bang Theory” actress, shared a relatable glimpse into the daily reality of the eight-day holiday. Bialik posted a photo of her Sunday lunch—a classic matzah pizza—accompanied by a beverage she noted as being kosher for Passover.
“Happy Easter 🐣🐇 to all those celebrating. And to those celebrating Passover, here’s my lunch today,” Bialik wrote, noting that the “bread of affliction feast” continues through Thursday in the United States and ends Wednesday night in Israel.
Other celebrities leaned into the more indulgent side of the holiday menu. Phil Rosenthal, host of “Somebody Feed Phil,” used the occasion to champion matzah brei—a dish of fried matzah and eggs—which he enjoyed with maple syrup. Rosenthal promoted the dish to his followers and those visiting Max & Helen’s, his Los Angeles Jewish diner named after his parents. “People no matter what you celebrate, have some matzah brei this week!” Rosenthal urged.
Meanwhile, Molly Yeh, host of “Girl Meets Farm,” shared a more atmospheric celebration. Her Seder took place amidst a snowstorm, utilizing a Haggadah from PJ Library—a non-profit that provides Jewish books to children globally. Yeh’s menu featured a blend of traditional and creative elements, including brisket, sweet potato kugel, and a salad topped with matzah croutons.
Reflection, Aesthetics, and the Weight of the Moment
While many posts were lighthearted, others used the holiday to address grief and global instability. Debra Messing, star of “Will & Grace,” shared a bittersweet reflection, noting that the holiday coincided with the anniversary of her mother’s passing. Messing posted images of her Seder plate and the process of making haroset—a sweet fruit and nut paste—with the help of her puppy, Elsie.
“The anniversary always feels like there is a hole in my heart, and the sadness is familiar,” Messing wrote, though she noted that Passover has always been her family’s favorite holiday. Her post also included a wider reflection on the state of antisemitism and the war in Iran, grounding the familial celebration in a broader, more somber global context.
Similarly, Sheryl Sandberg, the author of “Lean In,” used her social media to share a prayer for peace. Alongside a photo of her Seder plate, Sandberg wrote, “I’m praying for every community caught in the grip of conflict and hoping for a better tomorrow. May this be the year we all find deep and abiding peace. Chag Sameach.”
The visual presentation of the holiday also took center stage for some. Rebecca Hessel Cohen, the founder of LoveShackFancy, brought her brand’s signature aesthetic to the table. Cohen shared a meticulously curated, all-pink Seder table, complete with pink matzah place cards. This high-design approach to tradition was echoed by Aerin Lauder, granddaughter of Estee Lauder, who shared a photo of her own elegantly set Passover table.
Not every celebrity opted for a detailed visual diary. Adam Sandler maintained his tradition of a simple, warm greeting to his followers, keeping the specifics of his family Seder private while still acknowledging the holiday.
Even the humorists found a way to tie the holiday to their personal brands. Alex Borstein shared a comedic “pre-sundown” ritual involving a bag of fiery red Doritos, jokingly suggesting that the snacks would help her “recreate the plague of the blood” in the bathroom once the Seder began—a bold piece of comedy that played on the more visceral elements of the Passover story.
As the holiday concludes, the focus for many in the community shifts toward the remaining days of the festival and the preparation for the upcoming weeks of the spring calendar. For those following the careers of these figures, the next major checkpoints include the premiere of new seasons of their respective series and the continued public discourse regarding global peace and community safety.
How did your family personalize your Seder this year? Share your traditions and favorite holiday recipes in the comments below.
