Hotel Etiquette While on a Passover Program

Kiddush Hashem- sanctifying the name of G-d. We as Jews have the moral and halachic obligation to bring glory and praise to Hashem every single day. A Pesach program is ten days, that is ten days to create and maintain a positive impression for staff and program operators at the hotel. So how can you and your family ensure that the hotel staff has a positive experience with Jews, especially during these times.

Let’s jump right in with some suggestions.

Always say please and thank you to everyone. It doesn’t matter who it is, whether it be a waiter/waitress, a janitor, or the CEO of the hotel. Workers and staff appreciate when guests show gratitude and are courteous. If you can do so, do it. It is free to be kind and partaking in this will create a positive association of Jews. If this is not a practice that you usually partake in, we recommend starting now. Everyone appreciates a well-mannered human being and saying thank you is always well received. Say good morning and good night to those all around the hotel when you can. Another act of kindness that is incredible is tipping. If you cannot tip, that’s totally fine. If you can tip those workers who have helped and made your experience amazing for ten days, then that is wonderful! Think about any other industry- tips are always appreciated. You may be thinking, why should I tip workers who are literally doing their work? Because they may have gone above and beyond for you. Maybe the staff carried your luggage for you, drove you around the hotel, helped you with your specific needs, or just being a friendly worker. There is always room to give.

Another way we can all make a Kiddush Hashem is by being aware of our surroundings. When you and your family enter a communal space, make sure voices are lowered to match up the room. Keep an eye out on your children. Explain to them that a hotel is not like home, and we must be careful with other people’s possessions. If you and your children are headed to the pool or dining area, make sure you are cleaning up after yourself. Obviously, not completely- but make sure to leave the room as nice as it was when you first walked in. If you damage something in your hotel room or in the lobby, own up to it. Walk on over like a mensch and acknowledge the damages, they might let it slide too. If you see someone walking behind you as you are opening the door for them, hold it open for them too. There are countless opportunities to be kind throughout the ten days of your Passover stay, take advantage of them.

All in all, we are Jews, and we should act like Jews. Once we all collectively try to create a Kiddush Hashem everywhere we go, hotel operators and program operators would love to have us back. We are one nation, and we are all responsible for each other. Let’s come together this Pesach, whether you will be at home or a program. Let’s show the hotel workers and staff what Jews stand for and how we are different from the other nations.