What Do Jews Celebrate During Holy Week?
Los "judíos" de Semana Santa en México Enlace Judío from www.enlacejudio.comThe Jewish Holy Week The Jewish Holy Week, known as Passover, is a time of great celebration and remembrance for the Jewish people. This week-long holiday commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as well as their journey to the Promised Land. Passover is celebrated during the spring season, usually in the month of April. The Seder Meal One of the most important traditions of Passover is the Seder meal. This is a special family meal that takes place on the first two nights of the holiday. During the Seder, the story of the Exodus is retold, and special prayers and blessings are recited. The meal consists of symbolic foods, such as matzoh, bitter herbs, and a roasted lamb shank. The Search for Chametz Before Passover begins, it is traditional for Jewish families to clean their homes in a special way. This is known as the search for chametz. Chametz refers to any food that contains leavening agents, such as yeast or baking powder. During the search for chametz, families meticulously clean their homes to ensure that no chametz remains. The Festival of Freedom Passover is also known as the Festival of Freedom. This is because the holiday celebrates the freedom of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The theme of freedom is present throughout the holiday, from the retelling of the Exodus story to the traditional songs and prayers. The Afikomen During the Seder meal, a piece of matzoh known as the afikomen is hidden. The children at the Seder must then search for the afikomen, and the child who finds it is rewarded with a prize. The afikomen is then eaten as the final part of the Seder meal. The Haggadah The Haggadah is a special book that is used during the Seder meal. It contains the prayers and blessings that are recited during the meal, as well as the story of the Exodus. The Haggadah is often beautifully illustrated, and is a cherished part of the Passover celebration. Matzoh Ball Soup One of the most popular Passover foods is matzoh ball soup. This delicious soup is made with chicken broth and matzoh balls, which are made from matzoh meal, eggs, and oil. Matzoh ball soup is a staple of the Passover meal, and is enjoyed by Jews around the world. The Four Questions During the Seder meal, the youngest child at the table asks the Four Questions. These questions are designed to spark discussion about the Exodus and the meaning of the holiday. The questions begin with "Why is this night different from all other nights?" and go on to explore the symbolism of the Seder meal. The End of Passover Passover lasts for seven days in Israel and eight days outside of Israel. The holiday ends with a special prayer service known as Yizkor, which is a memorial service for the dead. This is a time for Jews to remember their loved ones who have passed away, and to pray for their souls. The Joy of Passover Passover is a time of great joy and celebration for the Jewish people. It is a time to remember the Exodus and the journey to freedom, and to celebrate the traditions and customs that have been passed down for generations. Whether it's the Seder meal, the search for chametz, or the afikomen, Passover is a holiday that is cherished by Jews around the world. ...