Passover is the spring festival which celebrates the Exodus of the Israelites from bondage under the Pharoahs in Egypt. During the 8 days of this holiday no bread or other leavened baked goods may be eaten. This is a reminder of the haste with which these ancient people fled their homes and their privations during their sojourn in the wilderness.

Passover starts with a special ceremonial meal known as a seder. The story of Exodus is read and explained. Food symbols are tasted by everyone at the table.

These are:

Three matzos - symbolizing the three groups into which each Jewish community was divided.

Roasted lamb or chicken bone - represents the sacrificial lamb offered on the eve of the Exodus.

Bitter herbs - horseradish root and watercress, a reminder of the bitterness of slavery.

Hard cooked egg - representing the individual offering at the Temple; also a symbol of life.

Green vegetable - usually parsley or celery tops, suggestion of springs rebirth.

Salt water - greens are dipped as a token of the tears shed for suffering and persecution.

A mixture of chopped apple, nuts, and wine called charoses - represents the bricks made without straw when Israelites were slaves in Egypt.

Wine served in goblets 4 times during the ceremony - to symbolize the promise of redemption made 4 times in the Bible.

In addition, a large goblet of wine is placed on the table for the prophet Elijah, for whom the door is left ajar. Legend has it that this messenger of the Messiah may arrive at anyone's table during the Passover seder as a harbinger of peace and freedom throughout the world. Special Passover dishes are fried matzoes and nut cakes.