Author: Hershel

My family of 22 (wife, kids (4 couples), grandkids) just completed our first experience with the Midwest Pesach program (2024). This was our sixth program since 2018. The hotel: The Betram Inn and Conference Center has started to show its age. However, the 9 rooms we had were clean, roomy and comfortable. Wife and I obviously had the most experience with our own room which was clean, supplied with the standard basics, frig, full bath (ceramic tub/shower head without grab bars – not good for the two of us in the second half of our 70s). Outside the full bath was a second sink and counter which was very nice to have. The room also contained a full couch. The program: Daf Yomi and other shiurim were provided in the ample shul along with other learning opportunities for those in the diverse group of over 300 attendees (I think) so inclined. I found the speakers very engaging and topical. There were several playrooms each set up for different age groups. The outside, larger parking lot area was supplied with basketball nets, soccer balls and a tether ball pole. Inside, a centrally located area was provided with a large, blow up bounce castle. I never saw it vacant, day or night. Our 12 grandchildren (ages 5-16) made use of all those play resources plus all the toys and games we brought along. There were several shows (e.g. magician, ventriloquist, music and more. I did not happen to attend any but the reviews among my family members were good to excellent.) Guests: On average, an older crowd of typically yeshivish backgrounds and persuasions. However, there were also plenty of younger families with children ranging from babies to early 20’s. If it helps, there were a number of women without head coverings and even a few in pants during the more relaxed times of the holiday. If anyone was uncomfortable about the mix, I did not see it. The staff: Rabbi A. J. Kushner, the program director/host and quite chasidisch in appearance was an absolute delight. His management style was competent and his humor, infectious. He worked the crowd in a most friendly manner all while seemingly everywhere at once, making sure we all had what we needed. I don’t think the man slept more than a couple of hours each day. As already said, the rabbinical staff was quite engaging and most approachable. The wait and other staff too were friendly and most eager to serve the crowd, one which can be typically demanding. Clearly everyone working understood the requirements of a “service” industry. Meals: Breakfasts were exactly what you would expect from a Pesach program. There was an abundance of hot and cold beverages along with various cheeses, and salads. On days permitted there were 3 omelet stations making the hot eggs to order with a variety of additions as requested. Kids were supplied with a variety of cold cereals, milks and juices. And of course, plentiful matzah and various pastries as can be made on Pesach. Breakfasts were offered from 8-11 spanning the needs of early birds, minyan goers and late risers. Lunches and dinners were typically fish, meat and poultry based with starters on through some pretty good and fancy desserts. Various wines, soft drinks and bottled water were plentiful. The recipes were heimish but not very diverse. Things did start to get a bit boring albeit remaining plentiful, tasty and with enough variety on each course to satisfy the most-picky of eaters. For example: starters consisted of a slice of gefilte fish and salmon on a bed of salad, soup for some meals, and mains consisting of both a heaping portion of meat and chicken on the plate along with basic sides. On Shabbos and Yom Tov light early dinners were offered along with the heavier post-davening larger, late evening meals. Before lunch, substantial kiddushes with both hot and cold offerings of meats, fish, kugals, salads, pastries etc. along with an attended bar (such as is possible on Pesach) were provided. A 7/24 tearoom was also available with adult and child offerings. No one went hungry and unless you displayed extraordinary self-control, you concluded the program heavier than when you arrived. We all agreed, this is a real keeper for our future Pesachs!