Pesach

Tomorrow at sundown starts Pesach and it will start with Seder. Some verses of Haggada (the story read during Pesach) remind very much the words from Christian eucharist. It shouldn't surprise us - Jesus was rabbi, observant Jew and he has been celebrating Pesach through all his life (including this last, special time).

Pesach is a reminder of leaving Egypt when God, with mighty hand had driven His people from the house of slavery. What is the meaning of "Egypt" and what did leaving it mean I hope to write upon one day. For the moment I'd love to write a bit about Pesach.

During the week preciding Pesach all Jewish homes are throughoutly cleaned. It is forbidden during Pesach not only to eat but also to possess chametz (levished bread). In some homes there will be looking for 10 bread crumbs with candles - a joy specially to children! (in the night before starting of Pesach).

There are special dishes and cutlery used only for Pesach that had never had any contact with chametz. During Seder there will be served matzah (unlevished bread), bitter herbs, vegies dipped in salty water and wine. The rest depends on denomination, tradition in family and in a place. It all starts with breaking a piece of matzah (after reading of Haggada) which symbolizes breaking apart of the Red Sea waters. The bigger piece is being hidden and all the children try to find it as they can exchange it for presents or small money. Finding afikoman (this piece of matzah) sybolizes finishing this yet unfinished.

The youngest child (or children) ask 4 traditional questions:

1. Why is it that on all other nights during the year we eat either bread or matza, but on this night we eat matza?
2.  Why is it that on all other nights we eat all kinds of vegetables, but on this night we eat bitter herbs?
3.  Why is it on all other nights we do not dip even once, but on this night we dip twice? 
4.  Why is it that on all other nights we eat either sitting or reclining, but on this night we eat in a reclining position? 

The answers to these questions, given by the head of family, in fact add into Haggada - the story of leaving Egypt.

Of course different approaches to celebrating this holiday and the level of observance and different traditions depend on people celebrating this beautiful, family-centered holiday.

HAPPY PESACH TO ALL WHO CELEBRATE!!!!!!!