Passover is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the Jew people leaving slavery in Egypt and to beginning the long journey to Israel. Today, Jewish families celebrate the liberation with retelling the story of the life in Egypt leading up to their liberation with the help of Moses. This celebration is called a Seder. 

So where does the name Passover come from? When the pharaoh refused to get the Jewish people go, Moses promised plagues to get set upon Egypt, beginning with the water turning into blood. The last and most dramatic plague was the slaying of the first born sons. A lamb was sacrificed it its blood was put on the doors of Jewish homes as to allow this last plague to pass over the Jewish people's homes.

The centerpiece to a Passover Seder is the Seder Plate. The Seder plate holds symbols of the holiday of Passover. These symbols include:

• The Shankbone: This symbolizes the lamb that was sacrificed to save the Jewish people.
• The Egg: This represents mourning.
• The Bitter Herbs: Eating these bitter herbs symbolizes the bitterness the Jews went through during their slavery.
• Charoset: This mix of fruit, nuts, and wine symbolizes the mixture used to build the pyramid and stores during ther slavery.
• Vegetable: This would be dipped into salt water as another symbol of the suffering.

Many people are familiar with matzo during this holiday. During this holiday, people are not allowed to eat unleavened bread, bread that was not allow to rise. This became a tradition because when the Jews were leaving Egypt, they had no time to allow the bread to rise and matzo was created.

So, if you want a successful Seder it is important to follow a Haggadah, a special prayer book for Passover. In addition to following the prayer book, having good food would be great for your guests. You might be a great cook, but some people might want to consider the many catering options available for Passover:

• Fairway in Bethpage and Westbury
• Messina Market in East Norwich and Manhasset
• Ben's Deli in Various Location on Long Island
• Elegant Eating in Smithtown
• Del-Mir Caterers in Syosset

No catering? There are a few Passover Seder events going on as well!

• Chabad’s Community Passover Seders at Chabad of Oyster Bay & Viana Hotel - April 14 to April 15th