Home

1. What are some of the different names for Passover?

The original name for Passover is Hag Ha-Pesach, meaning "Festival of the Paschal Lamb." With the advent of spring each year, the Hebrew nomads celebrated this pastoral festival by offering one of their flock as a sacrifice to God. When the Israelites settled down to work the land, in commemoration of the beginning of the grain harvest, they celebrated an agricultural holiday known as Hag Ha-Matzot -- Festival of Unleavened Bread. The two holidays later merged and became associated with the exodus from Egypt, an event that also occurred in the spring of the year, on the 15th of the Hebrew month Nisan.

2. The Torah commands us to observe Passover for seven days? Why do we observe it for eight days?

In biblical times the Passover festival was celebrated for seven days, as prescribed in Exodus 12:18. However, an extra day was added to the holiday when the Jews were exiled from Palestine by the Romans in the year 70 C.E. and uncertainty about the calendar arose. With the Jewish communities widely dispersed, it was not possible for all to be reached and advised of precisely when the new moon was sighted in Jerusalem. Consequently, one could not always be sure of the correct day on which to begin a holiday. To eliminate confusion, an extra day was added to Passover (and the other festivals) to make sure that all communities would be observing the festival on the correct day.

3. Why is matzah referred to as poor man's bread in the haggadah?

Because matzah is relatively inexpensive and quick to make, the Haggadah refers to it as "poor man's bread" or "bread of affliction" (lechem oni). When other ingredients -- most often wine, oil, honey, or eggs -- are added to the flour and water normally used to make matzah, the result is called "rich man's matzah" (matzah ashirah). This type of matzah may not be served at the seder.

4. What is so special about the expensive matzah sold in supermarkets that is round in shape?

Those who are exceptionally careful in their observance of the Passover laws will eat only "matzah shemura" (guarded matzah). This matzah has been carefully watched from the moment the grain is cut until it is baked as matzah. This meticulous surveillance is to insure that no water or moisture comes into contact with the flour prior to making the dough, for moisture would start the process of fermentation.

5. Why does matzah have perforations?

Matzah is perforated before baking to allow air to escape and thus retard fermentation. The perforations also prevent the dough from rising during baking.

6. Why is reclining something participants do during the seder meal?

In ancient times, when the Temple was in existence, it was customary for all participants to sit on the floor, propped up by pillows. When drinking each of the four cups of wine, they would lean to the left in the manner of free people, as they would while eating the meal. Today, the leader often leans on a pillow placed next to him/her, symbolizing the emancipation of the Israelites from Egypt.

7. What is the purpose of the Cup of Elijah?

A special goblet, known as Elijah's cup, is filled with wine. In Jewish tradition Elijah the Prophet represents the person who will usher in the Messianic age, a time when peace will prevail throughout the entire world. Elijah is a welcome guest at every seder, and to demonstrate that fact, at a specific time during the seder meal the front door of the house is opened to welcome him.

8. How many different haggadahs are there?

Since the first handmade haggadah appeared in the 13th century, more than 4,000 haggadot have been published in all parts of the world. Many lavishly illustrated editions have become collector's items. I have even published one, called the Discovery Haggadah (Ktav Publishers), with my co-author Kerry Olitzky. It is now likely a collectors' item as well.

Rabbi Ron Isaacs is the spiritual leader of Temple Sholom, a Conservative congregation in Bridgewater. His forthcoming new book is "Siddur Or Shalom," a Shabbat morning prayerbook. Contact him at www.rabbiron.com or "Ask the Rabbi," c/o Rabbi Ron Isaacs, Temple Sholom, P.O. Box 6007, Bridgewater, N.J. 08807.