Jewish families (and some others) will sit down tonight at the Seder table to celebrate Passover, an eight-day holiday which commemorates the Jews’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. Over dinner, centuries-old rituals will unfold in order to relive, and hence appreciate more truly, the freedom the old Israelites gained.
The story goes thus. For decades, the ancient Israelites endured slave labor and unspeakable horrors by the Egyptian Pharoahs. Their misery was seen by God, who sent Moses to Pharoah to ask for their freedom. Pharoah shrugged off this request, and he and the Egyptians were punished by the unleashing of ten horrific plagues which sickened them and destroyed their crops and livestock. Among the plagues was the killing of the firstborn, which passed over those of the Israelites – hence the holiday’s name.
Tonight, holiday candles are lit, blessings recited, the Haggadah – a religious text which sets out the order of Passover Seder – is read, all amid a sumptuous feast.
The coming week will be marked by a notable lack of crumbs, all evidence of which has been removed in the runup to today. Instead of bread and other products made of barley, rye, oats, wheat or spelt which are avoided this week – matzah, an unleavened bread (basically a dry cracker), is eaten, to commemorate the fact that the Israelites left Egypt in such a hurry they couldn’t wait for bread to rise.
The eating of matzah poses challenges for habitually grain-centric diets. No cereal for breakfast (there are Passover-friendly options) and no toast, and traditional kids’ sandwich lunches are thrown out the window. If you’re at a loss for alternative ideas, click here, where there will be plenty of breakfast and lunch options, as well as recipes for dessert or charoset (a fruit-and-nut jam, see photo).
It won’t just be Jewish families, a less homogeneous lot these days than they once were, who will look forward to the celebration. At the White House, an impromptu Seder stumbled upon in 2008 seems to have morphed into an annual event. And, an increasing number of interfaith families will dive into Passover celebrations, followed by Easter at the end of the week.
To our readers, Chag Sameach (joyous festival)!
Will you be celebrating with friends or family tonight? What’s on the menu? Share your stories with us in comments.
Whatever they eat at Obama’s seder tonight will be more than Netanyahu got on his recent Whitehouse visit.
I imagine Obama will remain silent for the “Next year in Jerusalem” part.
Last year he said, “Next year in the White House!”
“Last year he said, “Next year in the White House!”"
He did? Was he worried he’d be out already? Doesn’t he know its a four year term?
Anyone who has visited East Jerusalem (as I have) can tell you that culturally, it is about as Jewish as Riyadh. All the signs are in Arabic, all the people speak Arabic, all the food stands are Arabic, all the cops are Arabic, and so on.
The 3 notable exceptions are the Old Jewish Quarter in the Old City, the Temple Mount’s history ( although two large mosques sit up there now) , and the Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery, all of which are relatively small sections of East Jerusalem
Common sense tells you that East Jerusalem is basically a Palestinian Arab city, and that Bibi’s housing plan is flawed, unless he’s planning mass expulsion down the road.
I admire Obama’s attempt to keep a fire under Bibi’s butt, and, also, I admire Obama for hosting a Seder in the White House.
Best Wishes for a pleasant and blessed holiday
I am so looking forward to Uncle Barry’s brisket!
frankgg -
You are always so kind and generous of spirit.
Your posts are truly appreciated.
Happy Passover to all of you (even monty).
Thank you for the enlightening account of Passover.
I wish you all a joyous celebration!
Thanks ‘Roo! And Happy Passover to all of you, too.
Thank you Monty!