Shalom. I am your host Rebecca and this is watchmojo.com and today we will be looking at the celebration of the Jewish holiday a Passover. Passover is a Jewish and Samaritan holy day and festival commemorating the exodus from Egypt and the liberation of the Israelites from slavery. Passover is one of the most important religious festivals in the Jewish calendar. Jews 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. Jews have celebrated Passover since about 1300 BC, following the rules laid down by God in Exodus 13.
Passover begins on the15th day of the month of Nisan. The first month in the Hebrew calendar, in accordance with the Hebrew bible. The exodus of the Jews from Egypt took place in the spring and so Passover must be celebrated in the spring. The highlight of Passover observance takes place on the first two nights, when friends and family gather together for ritual Seder meals.
Radish meals are prepared and the story of Passover was told. With the special foods, songs and customs the Seder and the focal point of the Passover celebration. Seder means 'order' and the ceremonies are arranged in a specific order. Special plates and cutlery are used which are kept exclusively for Passover.
The Haggadah is a book which tells in fourteen steps the story of the Jewish experience in Egypt and of the Exodus and revelation of God.
As the story of each of the ten plagues is read out a drop of wine is spilt to remind Jews that their liberation was tinged with sadness at the suffering of the Egyptians.
The Haggadah also contains songs, blessings, psalms and Four Questions. These four questions are:
Why do we eat unleavened bread?
Unleavened bread or matzo is eaten to remember the Exodus when the Israelites fled Egypt with their dough to which they had not yet added yeast.
Three types of herbs: horseradish and beetroot paste, lettuce and a whole horseradish root.
Why do we eat bitter herbs?
Bitter herbs, usually horseradish, are included in the meal to represent the bitterness of slavery.
Why do we dip our food in liquid?
At the beginning of the meal a piece of potato is dipped in salt water to recall the tears the Jews shed as slaves.
Why do we eat in a reclining position?
In ancient times, people who were free reclined on sofas while they ate. Today cushions are placed on chairs to symbolize freedom and relaxation, in contrast to slavery.
These four questions should be asked spontaneously, but celebrations cannot happen unless they are asked.
Children are central to Passover proceedings and symbolize the continuity of the Jewish people. Customs are designed to hold their attention. There is the hunt for the afikomen, where a piece of matzoh is hidden which children have to find and hold 'ransom' until a reward is given.
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