As we approach the spring season, many Jewish families around the world prepare for the observance of Passover. This eight-day festival commemorates the liberation of Jews from slavery in ancient Egypt and is one of the most important holidays in Jewish culture. To better understand this holiday, I spoke with Rabbi Sarah Goldberg from Temple Judea in Coral Gables, Florida.
Q: Rabbi Goldberg, can you explain to us what Passover is all about?
Rabbi Goldberg: Of course! Passover celebrates our ancestors’ freedom from slavery under Pharaoh’s rule. According to our tradition, God sent ten plagues upon Egypt to convince Pharaoh to release our people. After the tenth plague killed all firstborn sons except those protected by lamb’s blood on their doorposts, Pharaoh finally agreed to let us go.
Q: How do Jewish families celebrate Passover today?
Rabbi Goldberg: Well, there are several customs that we follow during Passover. One of them is getting rid of any leavened bread or products made with wheat flour such as pasta or pizza dough before the holiday begins because our ancestors had no time for their bread to rise when they fled Egypt. We eat unleavened matzah instead throughout Passover week.
Another custom is having a Seder meal on two consecutive nights where family and friends gather around a table and retell the story of Exodus using a Haggadah (a special book). We drink four cups of wine while eating symbolic foods like bitter herbs (representing slavery), matzah (representing freedom), charoset (a paste made from fruit and nuts representing bricks used by slaves), and an egg roasted over fire symbolizing new life.
Q: That sounds really interesting! Do you have any personal memories or traditions associated with this holiday?
Rabbi Goldberg: Yes! When I was growing up in Michigan, my family would always have a big Seder with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. My grandfather would lead the Seder and read from the Haggadah in Hebrew while we followed along in English.
One of my favorite traditions was when we searched for the Afikomen (a piece of matzah hidden during the meal for children to find). The person who found it got a prize like money or candy. It made the Seder more fun and interactive for kids.
Q: That sounds like an engaging way to keep children interested in the story! Are there any other customs that people follow during Passover?
Rabbi Goldberg: Yes! Some Jews refrain from eating kitniyot (legumes such as rice, corn or beans) during Passover week as they resemble grains and can be confused for chametz (leavened bread). However, this is not universally observed among Jewish communities.
Another custom is opening our doors at the end of Seder night to welcome Elijah the Prophet who is said to visit every Jewish home on Passover. We leave out a cup of wine for him and hope that he brings good news about messianic redemption soon.
Q: That’s fascinating! Can you tell us what impact Passover has had on Jewish history and culture?
Rabbi Goldberg: Sure! The Exodus story has been a central theme in Jewish identity throughout history. Many Jews saw themselves as living through their own exodus from oppression whenever they faced persecution or discrimination under different rulers or regimes.
Passover also symbolizes hope and resilience against all odds. Our ancestors were able to overcome slavery by sticking together as a community, trusting God’s promise of freedom, and following Moses’ leadership even when it seemed impossible. Their faith inspires us to keep fighting for justice today no matter how difficult it may seem.
Q: Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us Rabbi Goldberg! Is there anything else you’d like to add about Passover?
Rabbi Goldberg: Just that Passover is a time for reflection, gratitude, and solidarity with all those who are still struggling for their own freedom or human rights. We celebrate our own liberation while remembering those who are still in bondage around the world. May this holiday be a reminder of our shared humanity and responsibility to build a better world for all.