Passover -A Holiday of Liberation

Passover -A Holiday of Liberation

The Five Rabbis By Leipnik Haggadah, Northern Germany 1740

Today marked the first day of Jewish Passover (March 25th-April 2) and I thought I would pay respect to this ancient and wonderful celebration. In a major nut shell, Passover is the holiday celebrating the moment in which Israel became a nation and when the descendents of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob emerged from slavery in Egypt to change history. It is a holiday akin to the likes of The Fourth of July, Cinco de Mayo, and France's Bastille Day. Families come together in worship and over food and drink and they celebrate for seven or eight days.Preparations for this celebration can take people weeks to carry out. It is celebrated in a reverent manner -sans fanfare, picnics,or fireworks. This is because although it is a joyful celebration, it is also a solemn one. I loved what I read as reasoning for this: "We celebrate our freedom from oppression, yet we do not rejoice in the suffering of our oppressors." ~ Wonder and Miracles by Eric A. Kimmel. 

Living in Brighton, New York has many wonderful aspects, and being surrounded by a large Jewish community is one of these wonderful experiences. I love the fact that my children are taught a great deal of Jewish as well as many other traditions in school and in the community. For me, a huge focus as a mother is to help my children become aware, observant, and respectful of other religions, philosophies, and customs in the hope that they will truly be peacemakers and peacekeepers. In order to enlighten my children concerning these things I, too, must do my own research and overcome my ignorance (and if you know me well you know that I LOVE research!). This past week the kids and I went to the library and checked out some books about Passover. We have thoroughly enjoyed reading these stories and learning more about this ancient and holy celebration! Although I am still entirely novice concerning this holiday, I want to share a little bit of the things we have learned about Passover and also to share some great ideas I have seen from Jewish people who celebrate this holiday of liberation each year. 

"It shall be that when you come to the land that God has promised, you shall observe this service..." Exodus 12:25

Here is the main website with all the information concerning Passover: http://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/default_cdo/aid/109747/jewish/Passover.htm 

Here is a description of Passover: http://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/pesach_cdo/aid/871715/jewish/What-Is-Passover.htm

Even Martha Stewart Living has their Passover rituals down to an artistic science. There are great ideas for a fabulous Seders and menus that will make everyone excited to sit down and eat.: http://www.marthastewart.com/274198/passover-recipes/@center/307033/spring-holidays

"We need not always weep and mourn.

Let my people go.

And wear these slavery chains forlorn.

Let my people go."

~Go Down, Moses~

A Happy and Kosher Passover to all who celebrate it!