Bedford Rabbi Talks Meaning of Passover

Today, March 25, is the start of Passover—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 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. 

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.

The Meaning of Passover

Rabbi David Greenberg of Temple Shaaray Tefila in Bedford Corners shared these thoughts on the holiday:

While Passover commemorates the historic Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, most of all it is an affirmation of the holiness of freedom. Passover is a time for renewing our vision and faith that “what is, need not be.”  Slaves can go free.  Darkness can be transformed into light. We can yet overcome the numerous “plagues” with which so many people of our live.

Some are familiar with a special cup that is part of the Passover ritual known as Cup of Elijah. Elijah lived in ancient Israel, and was especially kind and generous to the needy and the downtrodden.  Legend has it that Elijah never disappeared from our world, and that in every generation there is an “Elijah” in our world, and that one year he will reveal himself during Passover. At that time, our world will be healed of its pain and brokenness.

A sage who lived centuries ago suggested that we take that special cup and pass it around the table, with each person pouring some of the wine from his/her cup into the larger cup.  The message is that we, through our kind and caring actions, can bring about the peaceful and tranquil time that we have always associated with Elijah.

For all of us, regardless of our religion, may we each pour our own “few drops of wine” into the cup of hope and promise for all humanity.

Use the attached comments section to tells us if you've heard of kosher restaurants in the area, or found places around town selling special holiday items. Find contact information for local synagogues here.