Each spring, typically around the end of March
or beginning of April (depending on the Hebrew calendar),
Jews the world over celebrate Passover. This 8-day holiday
commemorates the freedom and exodus of the Jewish slaves
who fled Egypt during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II.
After more than 200 years of slavery, Moses asked the
Egyptian King Pharaoh to free the slaves. Each time
he refused, a plague was set upon the Egyptians. The
tenth and final plague was the slaying of the first
born, but the Jewish homes were “passed over,”
which is how Passover, or Pesach, got its name. Pharaoh
finally released the Israelites who fled to the desert
and ultimately accepted the Torah at Mount Sinai, thus
creating the Jewish nation.
Passover is the only Jewish holiday celebrated with
a home service, called a Seder, a lavish meal filled
with symbolism and tradition. In America, we have 2
seders; each on the first 2 nights of Passover. The
holiday continues for six more days, during which special
dietary laws are observed. All leavened foods and certain
grains and cereals are forbidden in remembrance of how
the Jewish ancestors left Egypt quickly, before the
bread dough had time to rise.
“Passover is a wonderful holiday because it includes
the whole family,” says Jane Moritz, owner of
ChallahConnection.com. “During the Seder everyone
in the family gets an opportunity to ask questions and
discuss our history. It mixes fun with meaningful tradition
and opportunities to learn.”
The Seder Plate
A special plate with 6 symbolic items is the focus of
the Seder table.
-A roasted Shank bone, typically lamb, represents the
special sacrifice that took place the eve of the exodus
-A hard-boiled egg, represents the coming spring as
well as new life
-Bitter herbs, usually horseradish, signifies the bitterness
of slavery
-Charoset (pronounced Ha-ro-set), a mixture of apples,
nuts and wine, resembles the mortar and brick Jews made
as slaves under Pharaoh
-Parsley and a small dish of saltwater represent the
tears of the Jewish slaves
-Matzo, symbolizes the bread of affliction as well as
the result of too-little time to let the dough rise
for bread
The Seder
Seder means order, and the story of Passover is read
from the Hagaddah, a book that recounts the story in
a special order. Everyone in the family takes part reading
and re-enacting the important events that took place
so long ago. Throughout the Seder, and as the story
of the exodus is told, there are many prayers, explanations
of symbolism, and opportunities for discussion and questions.
Some of the traditions are designed to arouse the curiosity
of the children and keep them interested in the long
Seder, and in learning about their heritage.
Special foods, activities, blessings and fun songs make
the meal interesting and meaningful.
“Since we’re limited in what we can eat,
I’m always on the lookout for wonderful Passover
food items and desserts for home, to bring to a Seder
or to ship nationwide,” says Jane. “We have
fantastic kosher and non-kosher items this year, including
Israeli wine, delicious cookies, cakes and candies,
and an imported charoset
that’s perfect for the Seder table.”
Making the Seder Yours
While there is a specific order to celebrating Passover,
families find ways to create some of their own traditions
and special touches. Depending on where your family
is from, or what denomination you are, there are variations
on the service and how foods are prepared. More information
on Passover and Passover recipes can be found at www.aish.com
and www.urj.org.
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