Passover Primer
Welcome to the Seder Table If you have Jewish friends, neighbors, or colleagues, you may have heard them mention Passover recently. It is one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays, and understanding a little about it can go a long way toward neighborly connection. Here is a friendly introduction to what it is all about. Passover, known in Hebrew as Pesach, commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. The story is told in the Book of Exodus: after centuries of bondage, Moses led his people to freedom, and God sent ten plagues upon Egypt to persuade Pharaoh to let them go. When the Israelites finally fled, they left in such haste that their bread had no time to rise. That unleavened bread, called matzah, has been a symbol of the holiday ever since. Passover begins this year on the evening of April 1 and lasts eight days. The centrepiece of the celebration is the Seder, a special meal held on the first one or two nights. The word seder means “order” in Hebrew, and the meal follows a very specific sequence.
Families and guests gather around the table, read from a book called the Haggadah, and tell the story of the Exodus together. Symbolic foods are placed on a Seder plate, each carrying its own meaning. Bitter herbs represent the bitterness of slavery. A sweet mixture called charoset represents the mortar the Israelites used when building for Pharaoh. A roasted lamb shank recalls the sacrificial offering, and parsley dipped in salt water represents both spring and tears. During the eight days of Passover, many Jewish families remove all leavened bread and grain products from their homes. Matzah replaces regular bread, and you will find a wonderful variety of Passover-friendly foods in stores throughout April. The Seder is a joyful, often lively event, full of songs, questions, and storytelling. Children play a central role, and there is even a tradition of hiding a piece of matzah, called the afikomen, for kids to find. If you are ever invited to a Seder, say yes. It is a beautiful evening, and the welcome mat is always out.
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18 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
April 2026
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