This evening marks the first night of Passover and to celebrate the holiday Darren and I will be spending it with both our families at a joint seder for the second year in a row.  It’s a wonderful holiday that is observed by Jews all around the world and for those that are unfamiliar with the story of Passover, I will share with you an abridged version:

About 3000 years ago the Israelites were enslaved by the Egyptians under the rule of the Pharaoh. According to the Book of Exodus – Moses, who was a simple Jewish shepherd, was instructed by G-d to go to the pharaoh and demand the freedom of his people but he was ignored. Moses warned the Pharaoh that G-d would send severe punishments to the people of Egypt if the Israelites were not freed. Again the Pharaoh ignored Moses.  In response G-d unleashed a series of 10 terrible plagues on the people of Egypt including blood, frogs, boils, hail and locust.

In an effort to encourage the Pharaoh to free the Israelites, G-d planned to kill the first born of both man and beast.  To protect themselves, the Israelites were told to mark their front doors with lamb’s blood so G-d could identify them and ‘pass-over’ their dwellings.  Hence, the origin of the name ‘Passover’.

The Pharaoh didn’t care and refused to free the slaves until finally the last plague and the Pharaoh agreed to freedom.   In a rush to leave Egypt, the Jews left their homes so quickly there wasn’t even time to bake bread.  They ended up packing the raw dough and taking it with them on their journey.  As they fled through the desert, they would quickly bake the dough in the hot sun into hard crackers, also know as matzoh.

Though the Jews found freedom they were chased by the Pharaoh’s army through the desert towards the Red Sea.  When the Jews reached the sea they were trapped.   Then an amazing miracle happened….the waves of the Red Sea parted and the Israelites were able to cross to the other side.  As soon as they all reached the other side the sea closed keeping the Pharaoh’s army on the other side and the Jews were finally free.

Passover celebrates this history and tonight throughout seder we will remember this story while commemorating certain moments through the food we eat to remind us of the fight for freedom.  Whether you are very religious or even non-observant, Passover tends to be the one holiday that every Jew marks in some special way.

Happy Passover to everyone!!