Passover: The Festival of Freedom

Passover, the festival of freedom, celebrated to honor the Jewish Culture fleeing the Pharaohs in Egypt, begins March 25 at sundown. The first two evenings are celebrated with a Seder dinner. The word Seder means order. The Seder plate presented at the meal mirrors the effect of order. In the center of the plate three whole matzos are placed. On the plate in circular form, you find hard boiled eggs, Roasted shank bone of lamb, Charoses, a mixture of finely chopped apples, nuts and cinnamon, mixed with a bit of wine and Karpas, which is either parsley, celery, lettuce onions or potatoes. Other items for the Seder table are three matzos, wine, salt water, a large goblet for the cup of Elijah and a pillow to symbolize comfort.

Surrounded by family and friends, the story of Passover, told by the head of the family, serves as the way to inform future generations about their history through stories and songs. The children interact with the adults as the Passover Haggada, a beautiful book, is read for the service.

In the next couple of days, all the preparations for the Passover holiday take place. All the grocers in town have stocked their shelves with matzo, grape juice, special muffin mixes and dressings.

Matzo plays an important role in Passover. It is a water base cracker, made with no yeast. When the Jewish people left Egypt, they had to do so quickly. There was no time to let the bread rise. So they took the dough flat. auring the observance of Passover, no foods using leavened bread of any kind can be consumed, in order to pay tribute to those who fled. Matzo bread and meal are used in many of the recipes prepared for the holiday. The stuffing calls for broken matzo and the Kugel calls for matzo meal in addition to the ma.

For the main dish a brisket or roasted Turkey are traditional favorites. A variety of vegetables, prepared interestingly, make for a memorable meal. To those of you who celebrate, enjoy your Passover. 9 tbs. kosher for Passover oil 1 tsp. Celery seed 1 ½ tsp. Salt 3 shakes of pepper ¾ tsp. Sugar 6 beaten eggs 3 tbs. chopped dill Crumble matzo and sprinkle with water. Brown onions in oil. Add salt, pepper, sugar, and eggs to matzo. Mix well. Add to onions and stir over a low heat until dry. Add dill and stir. Stuff turkey and cook as directed for a stuffed turkey.