Matzo, Charoset and Gefilte For All: A Passover Primer

It’s time to break out the matzo. Passover arrives today, March 25, as Jews all over the world come together to retell the Exodus story over four cups of wine and a large, festive feast.

Passover Traditions

As the story goes, during their flight from slavery, the Jews did not have enough time for dough to rise, resulting in a flaky cracker that is eaten instead of bread for a full week of Passover. The chametz—forbidden foods—go beyond bread, however, and depend on family tradition. As a general rule, look for the “Kosher for Passover” label, which thankfully spreads to more products year after year.

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 suffered by 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.

Here are some local resources for any last-minute Passover needs this week:

· Staubitz, Los Paisanos and A-Halal Meat Market & Grocery (brisket, shank bones)

· Shelsky's Smoked Fish (matzo, smoked fish, gefilte)

· Union Market (charoset, matzo, roast chicken, macaroons)

· Kane Street Synagogue 

· Hannah Senesh Community Day School

Still searching for the perfect Passover recipe for your seder? Try:

· Susie Fishbein's Modern Feast

· Huffington Post's Greatest Hits Roundup

· Bon Appetit's Passover Favorites

· Patch's Recipe Ideas for Passover

Have a great dish or tip of your own? Share it in the comments below.