Passover in Virginia Beach: A Celebration of Freedom, Connection, and Jewish Pride

Each year, more and more Jewish families choose to spend Pesach in beautiful Virginia Beach — and this year, the turnout exceeded all expectations.

According to a survey conducted by Rabbi Gedalya Schwartz in the tourist WhatsApp group managed by Chabad (with nearly 600 participants!), over 50 vacation homes in the Sandbridge area were rented by Jewish families for the holiday — each home ranging from 5 to 15 bedrooms. On top of that, hundreds more stayed at beachfront hotels during Chol Hamoed.

If you walked around Sandbridge or the hotel strip that week, you would’ve felt like you were in Brooklyn.

Support, Services, and Spiritual Connection

To help visitors prepare, Chabad of Virginia Beach provided a wide array of services — some complimentary, others at a minimal cost — to make celebrating the holiday smooth, meaningful, and accessible.

A specially created, interactive Pesach resource page served as a digital guide to Jewish life in the area and helped answer visitors’ questions throughout their stay.

Throughout the week, dozens joined us every morning and evening for davening. Many tourists arrived just for Chol Hamoed and stayed in the 23451 hotel district, enjoying full access to the vibrant Pesach atmosphere Chabad helped create.

A Night to Remember: The Pesach Kumzitz

One of the most memorable highlights was a heartwarming Kumzitz under the stars, bringing together the local community and Jewish tourists in a powerful display of unity and Jewish joy:

“It was something special.

A heartwarming Kumzitz under the stars, with the local community and dozens of Jewish tourists coming together to celebrate the spirit of Pesach.

The crackling fire, heartfelt singing with Aharon and friends, and the peaceful surroundings made it a night to remember — full of warmth, unity, and Jewish pride.

We were especially grateful to hold this uplifting evening on the birthday of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, the Rebbe’s father — a man of deep faith and sacrifice. May his merit inspire more light, connection, and strength in every Jewish soul.”

Around 150 people joined throughout the night — locals and visitors singing, connecting, and celebrating the deeper meaning of freedom together.

Local Community & Festive Gatherings

While all this was happening, the local community was just as busy celebrating. A beautifully prepared community Seder welcomed over 100 participants in a hall overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Although no photos could be taken due to Yom Tov falling right after Shabbat, the energy was unforgettable.

Each day of Yom Tov included davening, generous Kiddushes, a moving Yizkor service on the last day, and a joyful closing Seudat Moshiach & BBQ, with Jared manning the grill like a true pro.

This year, many local families also hosted Seders in their homes. Chabad was honored to assist by providing handmade Shmurah Matzah and beautiful Haggadahs to anyone who needed.

Gratitude and Inspiration

Thank you to everyone who took part — whether by attending, helping, hosting, or donating. Together, we made Pesach in Virginia Beach a true celebration of Jewish freedom, connection, and pride.

And we carry this spirit forward, into the summer and beyond.

A picture from last year’s Seder which took place in the same place this year

Ride under this picture: everyone in our Seder got their own Seder plate