Observing Passover in Iowa City: What You Need to Know

It’s almost time to break out the matzo. Passover arrives on March 25 this year, when Jews across the world will come together to retell the Exodus story over four cups of wine (or grape juice for those who can't indulge), and of course, a large, festive feast.

Passover Schedule in Iowa City

Info provided by the Agudas Achim congregation, which serves Iowa City at the University of Iowa Hillel House and their new synagogue in Coralville.

Passover begins this Monday night. Hillel will be sponsoring both seders, lunch and dinner. call 338-0778 to reserve) Agudas Achim will be holding a seder on the second night and a Shabbat dinner March 29. (reply to this email to reserve for either or both if you have not already)

Reform movement material on Passover:

Passover

Find recipes, activities, and more on ReformJudaism.org and on the RJ.org blog. 

HyVee in Coralville has kosher meat: lamb and skirt steaks. Look for it in the meat section. (Their Passover section is pathetic; the other HyVees are better)

Taanit Bekhorim (Fast of the first born)
A first born male observes this fast on the eve of Passover commemorating the saving of the firstborn of Israel who were saved, while the first born Egyptians died in the tenth plague. A siyyum (completion of study of a tractate of rabbinic literature) removes that obligation as all who participate in the siyyum are invited to a seudat mitzvah (a festive meal celebrating the performance of a mitzvah, in this case the siyyum). We will hold a siyyum on Monday, March 25 at Hillel at 8:30 am. 

Services for Passover:

Tuesday and Wednesday (March 26 and 27) at 9:30 at Agudas Achim

Monday and Tuesday (April 1 and 2) at 9:30 am at Agudas Achim. Yizkor is April 2

More info on the Holiday

Passover Traditions

As the story goes, during their flight from slavery, the Jews did not have enough time for their dough to rise, resulting in a flaky cracker that is eaten instead of bread for a full week during Passover. The diet changes go beyond bread, however, and depend on family tradition. As a general rule, just look for the “Kosher for Passover” label, which thankfully spreads to more products year after year.

Prior to the holiday, Jews clean their homes and get rid of chametz—food that is forbidden during Passover. Check to see if any of your local food pantries will accept your chametz or if your fire department is holding a safe burning of the chametz. The day before, this year on March 24, kids have the chance to search their homes by candlelight for any pieces of chametz left behind.

The Seder

On the first two nights of Passover, a Seder is held. This is when the story of Passover is told with the reading of the Haggadah. Some families even dress up and act out the story. Songs are sung, including "Dayenu," and as tradition, children sing the Four Questions, or Ma Nishtana. Over the course of the night, four cups of wine are consumed to celebrate freedom. Bitter herbs are also eaten as a reminder of the pain of the Jewish slaves.

The middle of the holiday, from March 28 to 31, is an intermediate period, or Chol HaMoed, when there are fewer restrictions. On these days more observant Jews are allowed to drive and use electronics, and in rare instances, work. The final two days of Passover fall on April 1 and 2, and are considered Holy Days.

Check local listings for airings of The Ten Commandments and The Prince of Egypt — fun!

For some educational fun with the kids, check out the Rugrats Passover special here.