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Dear All
Hello
People of the Jewish faith celebrate the Feast of Passover (Pesach in Hebrew)
to commemorate the liberation of the Children of Israel who were led out of Egypt by Moses.
They have celebrated Passover since about 1300 BC and the story is told in the Book of Exodus.
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Yesterday evening, Jewish people were preparing for the start of Passover by
cleaning the home thoroughly and removing any chametz (leaven).
This is important because it symbolises that when the Jews fled Egypt, they did not have time to let dough rise and finish bread for food.
Special plates and cutlery are used for the main ritual meal called Seder, which means 'in order'.
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THE PASSOVER MEAL
Each of the components of the meal is symbolic. The food is eaten in ritual order and its meaning and symbolism is discussed.
•Matzo (unleavened bread) which is eaten symbolically three times during the meal.
•A bone of a lamb to represent paschal sacrifice.
When the Temple at Jerusalem was the centre of Jewish life, Jews would go there at Pilgrim Festivals to sacrifice a lamb or goat.
•An egg, also to represent sacrifice, but which also has another symbolism.
Food usually becomes soft and digestible when cooked, but eggs become harder. So the egg symbolises the Jews' determination not to abandon their beliefs under oppression by the Egyptians.
•Greenery (usually lettuce) to represent new life.
•Salt water to represent a slave's tears.
•Four cups of wine to recall the four times God promised freedom to the Israelites, and to symbolise liberty and joy.
•Charoset (a paste made of apples, nuts, cinnamon and wine) to represent the mortar used by the Israelites to build the palaces of Egypt.
•An extra cup of wine is placed on the table and the door is left open for Elijah.
Jews believe that the prophet Elijah will reappear to announce the coming of the Messiah and will do so at Pesach.
The concluding words of the Haggadah look forward to this:
"Next year in Jerusalem!"
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There are many other customs observed at Passover, including special services at the synagogue and encouraging young people to learn more about their faith is central to this important festival.
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To our Jewish friends and colleagues, Shalom.
Take gentle care
Best wishes
Elizabeth,
xx
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