Wednesday night at sunset (7:52 p.m.), the Jewish celebration of Passover will commence honoring the “journey from slavery to freedom” from the Egyptian pharaoh in 1513 B.C.
According to the Book of Exodus, the celebration resulted from the Lord’s “smoting the land of Egypt” including the final plague — the killing of the first born. To spare the Jewish children, the Israelites were told to mark their doors with lamb’s blood for the angel of death to “passover” their homes.
Before the sun sets on the first night of Passover, Jews gather at their homes for a “seder” blending religious rituals, food (matzo ball soup, gefilte fish, beef brisket, chicken and potatoes), song and storytelling. Throughout the eight days of Passover, Jews abstain from eating leavened bread.
To assist families in celebrating Passover, area restaurants (A Taste of the World, Cindi’s New York Deli and Bakery, Eatzi’s Market and Bakery, Meat Point, Milk and Honey, Simcha Catering and TJ’s Seafood Market and Grill) are providing meals for pickup and/or delivery.
During these months when COVID-19 has enslaved the world, Passover will provide a period of reflection of another time when a group of people were freed from another evil.
* Graphic courtesy of Cindi's New York Deli and Bakery