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Passover: History
The holiday of Passover ( Pesach in Hebrew) is perhaps one of the most central to Jewish life and history. More widely observed than any other holiday, Passover celebrates the biblical account of the Israelites’ redemption and escape from 400 years of Egyptian slavery.
Passover: Customs and Rituals
There are several mitzvot (commandments) unique to Passover, which are evident in the customs and rituals of the holiday to this day: matzah (the eating of unleavened bread); maror (the eating of bitter herbs); chameitz (abstaining from eating leavened bread or other foods containing wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt); biur chameitz (removal of leaven from the home); and Haggadah (participation in the seder meal and telling the story).
Passover Delights From Around the World
I renovated part of my house for Passover. No joke! I used to have an elongated room with an archway dividing the space into living room and dining room. That wasn't good.
Mina de Maza [Matzah Pie]
Throughout the Mediterranean, Turkish Minas, Italian Scacchi, and Greek Pitas – all layered dishes similar to lasagna – have been prepared for at least a thousand years using matzah for dough during Passover.
Cinnamon & Orange-Blossom Seders
Three nations-Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco-constitute the Maghreb, a part of North Africa where Jews have lived for over 2,500 years, since the destruction of the first Temple. Tales are still told of how fleeing priests carried one of the Temple doors to the island of Djerba in Tunisia, where it was used in a synagogue
Roulage Leontine [French Flourless Chocolate Roll]
The first non-drinkable form of chocolate consumed in Europe was in the form of little soufflé-like cakes or rolls. This is one of the earliest modern recipes for flourless chocolate cake.
Chicken Salad Veronique with Avocados
This cold salad, featuring Israel’s summer bounty, is perfect for a hot summer’s day. French recipes titled Veronique signify the inclusion of grapes. This one is a snap if you ask the deli person to cut the meat into half-inch thick slices (number 35 on some slicers).
Middle Eastern Cucumber Pickles
These pickles take about 20 minutes to make and only two days of waiting time. The addition of ginger, cardamon, and cinnamon gives the pickles a subtle Middle Eastern flavor.
Fiori de Zucca Ripieni [Stuffed Zucchini Flowers]
Recipes that combine mozzarella and anchovies are most strongly associated with the cooking of the Roman Jewish ghetto of the 17th century.