First Seder

Jewish people go to great lengths to prepare for Passover and it wasn't until we tried to buy groceries that we better understood. As mentioned in the previous post, Orthodox Jews have been preparing weeks for Passover as they clean chametz out of their homes. Every nook and cranny is cleaned, including carpets, draperies, blinds, light fixtures, all bedding and linens, drawers, cabinets and you name it are thoroughly cleaned in the effort to remove any minute crumbs of chametz. Just about anything made from grains is considered to be chametz. This includes flour (even before it is mixed with water), cake, cookies, pasta, breads, and items that have chametz as an ingredient.

The first night of Passover is referred to as leil shimurim (a night of guarding), based on Exodus 12:42. “It is a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations.” At noon today we ran out to buy a few groceries and the streets were empty! We weren't sure if grocery markets were open but we found one with hardly anyone inside. Now we understand why because many of the items we needed were covered up and not for sale. However, I was able to buy some red wine vinegar and canned dill pickles. (Pickles are scarce and not the same as they are in the States.) This past week when I bought some red licorice at the Shuk (a very large market), the store keeper asked me if I was sure I wanted it because it was leavened. Hmmmm . . seriously? I learned something but bought it anyway to satisfy my sweet tooth.

Just before the nation of of Israel left Egypt, God commanded them to sacrifice the paschal lamb and then eat it with unleavened matzah and bitter herbs. God then told them that they should replicate this feast every year on the anniversary of the Exodus: “It shall be for you a remembrance . . . seven days you shall eat matzah, and on the first day you should remove all se’or (sourdough, a leavening agent) from your homes. Anyone who eats chametz from the first day to the seventh day shall be cut off from Israel.” The first night of Passover is referred to as leil shimurim (a night of guarding), based on Exodus 12:42.

According to Jewish law, it is forbidden to eat chametz until after Passover. The Torah states: “You shall slaughter the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, your God . . . You shall not eat leaven with it.”

All Seder items and food for the holiday meals must be prepared before the onset of the holiday and Shabbat (Friday evening dinner).

Jewish women work tirelessly in the effort to clean and prepare food for Passover. Several Jewish people we have come to know in Jerusalem have told me that it is just too difficult so they don't keep that custom even though they observe Passover.

Photo: Can you believe this? Garth is mopping the floor! Do you suppose he's learned something from our Jewish friends and trying to clean all the chametz from our kitchen?