Shabbos Table

The Exodus – A quick summary

The Exodus story is one of the most significant events in biblical history. It tells of the captivity of the Israelites in Egypt and their subsequent liberation under the leadership of Moses. The story begins with the enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt, where they were forced to work as slaves for the Pharaohs. G_d then raised up Moses to lead the Israelites out of bondage and out of Egypt. The Pharaoh did not want to et the people go even when G-d sent plagues to convince him. Only after the tenth plague which would kill the first born, causing the Pharaoh to lose his only son, did he let the Israelites go and they began their journey to the Promised Land.

However, the Pharaoh soon changed his mind and pursued the Israelites with his army. G_d parted the Red Sea and allowed the Israelites to safely cross, but then unleashed the waters and destroyed Pharaohs’ army. The Israelites then wandered in the desert for 40 years, receiving divine guidance and support from G_d along the way until finally arriving at the Promised Land.

Celebrating Freedom

Pesach, otherwise known as Passover, is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from bondage in ancient Egypt. It is celebrated annually in the month of Nisan, which typically falls sometime in March or April on the Gregorian calendar.

It lasts for eight days. The first two days, Yom Tov, and the last two days are full-fledged holidays, during which work is forbidden. The intermediate days are known as Chol Hamoed, when certain work is permitted. During this time, Jews focus on the retelling of the story of the Exodus from Egypt, and the theme of freedom from slavery.

The five mitzvot of Pesach (Passover)

Eating Matzah: We are commanded to eat Matzah, which is unleavened bread, for seven days.

1. Eating Matzah: We are commanded to eat Matzah, which is unleavened bread, for seven days.

2. Reciting the Haggadah: The Haggadah is a special ritual text that is read on the first two nights of Pesach, which retells the story of the Jewish people’s exodus from Egypt.

3. Eating Maror: We must eat bitter herbs, known as Maror, to recall the bitterness of slavery.

4. Drinking Wine: We drink four cups of wine during the Passover Seder, each cup symbolizing the Jewish people’s liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt, and each one is associated with a specific stage of their redemption. The four cups are The Cup of Sanctification, The Cup of Plagues, The Cup of Redemption or Grace, and The Cup of Praise or Acceptance. Drinking each of these cups helps to deepen our understanding of the Passover story and the themes of freedom, slavery, and redemption.

5. Removing Chametz: We are commanded to clear our homes of chametz, or any food made with leavened grains, before Passover begins.

According to tradition, Pesach was instituted by G_d as a commemorative event. He commanded the Israelites to observe the holiday each year on the anniversary of their Exodus from Egypt. In doing so, they were to eat unleavened bread (matzah) and conduct a ritual meal (the Seder) that recounts the story of their liberation.

The rituals associated with Pesach are rich with symbolism and meaning. One of the most notable customs is the removal of all leavened bread from the home during the week-long observance. Jews instead eat matzah, which represents the hastily made bread that the Israelites ate as they fled from Egypt.Matzah is also said to symbolize humility and the simple life of a slave.

According to Jewish dietary laws (Kashrut), certain foods are forbidden during Passover. Kitniot refers to a category of foods that include legumes like beans, corn, and rice, which Ashkenazi Jews traditionally do not consume on Passover. The reasoning behind this prohibition is that these foods are often made into flour or meal, and may be confused with the five grains that are forbidden on Passover, which are wheat, barley, rye, oats, and spelt. Additionally, kitniot can also be subject to leavening, which is also forbidden on Passover. However, Sphardic Jews have a different take on this.

Difference between Sphardic Jews and Ashkanazie Jews during Passover meals

While both Sephardic Jews and Ashkenazi Jews are part of the greater Jewish community, there are important differences between their cultural practices and interpretation of Jewish law. One of these differences relates to the consumption of kitniot during Passover.
For Sephardic Jews, the consumption of kitniot is generally permitted during Passover. This is based on the halakhic ruling of many Sephardic authorities who believe that kitniot are not classified as chametz (leavened products) and are therefore acceptable for consumption during the holiday.

Ashkenazi Jews, on the other hand, traditionally avoid the consumption of kitniot during Passover. This is due to the stringencies established by Ashkenazi rabbis who feared that the consumption of kitniot could lead to the consumption of actual chametz, which is prohibited during Passover.

What is the Seder?

During the Seder, Jews recite the Haggadah, a text that retells the Exodus story, with symbolic foods representing different parts of the story. For instance, bitter herbs represent the harshness of slavery, while the roasted lamb shank bone represents the lamb sacrificed on the eve of their liberation.

The seder is a traditional Jewish ritual meal that commemorates the story of the Hebrews Exodus from Egypt. The seder plate contains six symbolic foods that are eaten and discussed throughout the evening. Each food symbolizes an aspect of the Exodus story:

1. Maror (bitter herbs) represents the bitterness and harshness of the Hebrews’ slavery in Egypt.

2. Maror (bitter herbs) represents the bitterness and harshness of the Hebrews’ slavery in Egypt.

3. Karpas (a green vegetable, like parsley) is dipped in salt water to represent the tears shed by the oppressed Israelites in bondage.

4. Zeroa (a roasted shankbone) represents the Pesah sacrifice that was offered in the Temple in Jerusalem.

5. Beitzah (hard-boiled egg) stands for new life and the spring season.

During the seder, the foods are eaten in a specific order while participants retell the story of the Exodus from Egypt and discuss the meaning behind each symbol.

Elijah

During Seder meals, there are several things that are done for Elijah. One of the main things is leaving the door slightly opene to welcome Elijah in, because he is believed to be the symbol of hope and redemption in Judaism. There is also a special cup of wine that is left on the table for Elijah, which is called the Elijah Cup. Lastly, there is the recitation of a special prayer called the “Eliyahu Hanavi” that is dedicated to Elijah. These traditions are meant to symbolize the hope for the coming of the Messiah and the redemption of the Jewish people.

Afikoman

During Seder, the Afikoman, a piece of matzah, is hidden and then found by the children at the end of the meal. This is done to keep the children engaged and interested in the Seder, and to symbolize finding the afikoman as a representation of finding the Messiah, who will bring redemption to the Jewish people. The tradition also involves breaking the afikoman into small pieces, and distributing them amongst the guests as a reminder of the ongoing need for redemption in the world.
In many homes the child who finds the afikoman first gets a present.

Why do we recline in our chairs during the Seder meal?

Jews recline to the left during the Seder meal because it is a way to show that we are free people, and to honor the ancient custom of reclining on cushions or pillows while dining, which was a sign of wealth and luxury in ancient times. The specific reason for reclining to the left may have to do with the belief that the heart is located on the left side of the body and it’s better for digestion when reclining on that side.

How to wish someone a happy Passover

• Chag sameach (Happy holiday)
• Chag Pesach sameach (Happy Passover)
• Chag kasher v’sameach (Have a kosher and happy Passover)
• Gut yontif (Good holiday in Yiddish)

Pesach lies in its celebration of freedom.

The holiday serves as a reminder of the Jewish people’s liberation from bondage and their journey to a land of their own. In a broader sense, it emphasizes the importance of standing up for freedom and justice, even in the face of oppression.

In modern times, the message of Pesach continues to be relevant. Its teachings of freedom, liberation, and justice apply not only to Jews but to people of all backgrounds and beliefs. We can learn from this holiday the importance of fighting for what is right and never giving up hope in the face of adversity.

Pesach serves as a powerful reminder of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery and their journey to freedom. Its rituals and customs symbolize different aspects of this event, while its moral lesson is one of hope, freedom, and justice. By celebrating this holiday, we can continue to learn from its teachings and apply its message to our own lives.