Passover and eating disorders

Passover is one of the most important holidays in the Jewish calendar.

Traditionally it marks the Exodus, which is the story of how the Israelites were liberated from slavery in ancient Egypt.

For many Jewish people, Passover is a positive opportunity to come together with their families and celebrate their cultural traditions and history. However, it can be a uniquely challenging time for people with eating disorders because of the holiday’s focus on food. You can read more about Passover, how it impacts people with eating disorders and advice on how to navigate the holiday with an eating disorder below.

What is Passover?

In the UK, Passover takes place over eight days in the spring, typically in March or April. The central event of the holiday is the Seder, a ceremonial meal held on the first two nights.  Foods eaten during the Seder are significant because they have a symbolic meaning, representing an aspect of the Israelites’ hardships and their journey to freedom. These foods include matzah (unleavened bread), maror (bitter herbs), charoset (a sweet paste), and karpas (vegetables, typically parsley).

Matzah is especially important during Passover because it represents the unleavened bread the Israelites had to eat when they fled Egypt. Throughout the holiday, Jewish people refrain from eating leavened bread, known as chametz, to remember their ancestors’ swift departure.

Some Jewish people may find the focus on eating food during the Seder while restricting access to chametz very difficult. They might feel torn between taking part in their religious holiday and looking after their health.

How might Passover impact people with eating disorders?

Passover can be particularly tough due to the dietary restrictions around chametz. While the restriction is a part of the spiritual observance, the focus on eliminating foods might trigger harmful eating disorder behaviours or thoughts. This might lead to increased anxiety, guilt, or shame.

In addition, families often come together for communal Seder meals. People with eating disorders can feel very uncomfortable about eating in front of others and may feel overwhelmed at being expected to eat a large amount of food. The holiday’s emphasis on food can be very overwhelming for people with eating disorders, who can also be apprehensive about well-meaning relatives encouraging them to participate, or asking awkward questions.

How to navigate Passover with an eating disorder

Navigating Passover with an eating disorder can be really hard, but it’s important to remember that it’s okay to prioritise your health. You might find the following list of tips helpful:

• Prepare: Try your best to plan ahead wherever possible. You can talk to a medical professional, your loved ones or your rabbi about how you’re feeling. Setting realistic goals and talking about any potential triggers in advance might help tackle some of your anxiety.
• Focus on the meaning: Shift the focus from food to the spiritual significance of the holiday. Passover is about freedom and faith, not just food. What do you want to get out of the holiday? You might find it helpful to focus on the communal aspect of Passover and reframe it to be about spending time with your loved ones instead.
• Set boundaries: It’s okay to set boundaries with family and friends, and you don’t need to stick rigidly to rules if it’s bad for your health. Honouring your traditions is important, but it shouldn’t mean you aren’t able to prioritize your well-being.
• Be kind to yourself: Acknowledge that the holiday can be challenging and that it’s okay to feel uncomfortable at times. Show yourself the same compassion and understanding you would offer a friend facing similar struggles.
• Seek professional support: If you feel particularly upset by any aspect of Passover and are worried about your health, always contact your GP. If you have one, your treatment team can also provide guidance and tools for managing the emotional toll of the holiday.