Passover is another important jewish holiday followed by most Jews. This holiday lasts for eight days everywhere except Israel where it lasts only seven. It occurs on the fourteenth day of the Hebrew month Nisan which corresponds to the English month March or April depending on the year. Jewish calendars are based on a lunar cycle and therefore differ from the English calendar. Passover is one holiday that requires a lot of work. Your home or business must be rid of anything that is chometz or contains grain. It requires extensive cleaning in your home, office, car and synagogue or temple. The food is different and must be approved for use during Passover.  There are even certain fresh items you are not allowed to have such as rice, corn or beans. All dairy products must be approved for use during Passover even if they are kosher year round.


There is a special order to follow when conducting a Seder. Usually the head of the house or Rabbi leads everyone through the Seder. This order can be found in every Haggadah. The Haggadah is a religious text that Jews everywhere use to retell the story of the Exodus from Egypt. Reading this is a commandment of each Jew "to tell your son". This text is also written in the Book of Exodus and is read from the Torah. There are arguments as to the exact date and which person authored the Haggadah. Never the less this religious text is used during Passover. Today you can find many different types of Haggadot (plural for Haggadah). Some have beautiful illustrations, other s has commentaries and still others are catered to children to increase their understanding of this important holiday. The Haggadah provides the order of the Seder, explanations and retells the story. Jewish people all around the world use the Haggadah during Passover.

 There are many recipes to choose from on Passover. These can be found in Jewish cookbooks, newspapers, and internet and most importantly from families and friends. Some of most common recipes used during Passover are matzo balls (a dumpling made from matzo meal) for chicken soup, gefilte fish (made from white fish and pike), matzo brei (egg pancake made with matzo), potato kugels (like a potato casserole), brisket, roast chicken, fruit compote, and macaroons. Today there are many Kosher for Passover bakeries as well as cake mixes and ready to eat foods. If you can afford it there are caterers and hotels all over the world that will do the entire Passover holiday for you. Some people make this their vacation.

Passover is a wonderful holiday that not only teaches but also a time families and friends get together. If you ask most Jewish people they will probably tell you of fond memories of Passover. The food is delicious, the learning is wonderful and also lots of fun for the children. It is a lot of work but worth it for the memories will last a lifetime. Every family has also incorporated their own traditions in addition to following the laws of Passover. No matter how you choose to celebrate the purpose is still the same to teach your children about the Exodus from Egypt.