Seder (Photos – ackie Poles Ran)
Pesach, or Passover is one of the great holidays of the Jewish calendar. Celebrated for 8 days beginning at sunset on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Nisan, it commemorates the Exodus from Egyptian slavery of the Jewish people led by Moses across the Red Sea.
By Briony James
The term Passover refers to the ten plagues visited upon Egypt for not releasing the Hebrew slaves, culminating with the death of all first-born. The Hebrew slaves were told to anoint their doorposts with the blood of a sacrificial lamb and the Angel of Death would pass over their houses.
Special foods are prepared and eaten at the Seder, including matzoh, unleavened bread which commemorates the slaves’ speedy exit from Egypt, having no time to let their bread rise. Bitter herbs are included to bring to mind the bitterness of slavery. The Seder is the key celebration, a meal that includes all these foods and more, along with a reading of the Haggadah, recounting the story of the Exodus. For the first two nights of Passover the Seder is a key obligation, as is the removal of all yeast from the home in the lead-up to the first night of Passover. During the last two nights, the parting of the Red Sea is remembered.
This year in Pasadena, Chabad, at 1090 E. Walnut Street, still has room in the second Seder for those who wish to celebrate.
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