Observing Passover: What You Need to Know

It’s almost time to break out the matzo. Passover arrives on March 25 this year, when Jews across the world will come together to retell the Exodus story over four cups of wine (or grape juice for those who can't indulge), and of course, a large, festive feast..

Passover Traditions

As the story goes, during their flight from slavery, the Jews did not have enough time for their dough to rise, resulting in a flaky cracker that is eaten instead of bread for a full week during Passover. The diet changes go beyond bread, however, and depend on family tradition. As a general rule, just look for the “Kosher for Passover” label, which thankfully spreads to more products year after year.

Prior to the holiday, Jews clean their homes and get rid of chametz—food that is forbidden during Passover. Check to see if any of your local food pantries will accept your chametz or if your fire department is holding a safe burning of the chametz. The day before, this year on March 24, kids have the chance to search their homes by candlelight for any pieces of chametz left behind.

The Seder

On the first two nights of Passover, a Seder is held. This is when the story of Passover is told with the reading of the Haggadah. Some families even dress up and act out the story. Songs are sung, including "Dayenu," and as tradition, children sing the Four Questions, or Ma Nishtana. Over the course of the night, four cups of wine are consumed to celebrate freedom. Bitter herbs are also eaten as a reminder of the pain of the Jewish slaves.

The middle of the holiday, from March 28 to 31, is an intermediate period, or Chol HaMoed, when there are fewer restrictions. On these days more observant Jews are allowed to drive and use electronics, and in rare instances, work. The final two days of Passover fall on April 1 and 2, and are considered Holy Days.

For some educational fun with the kids, check out the Rugrats Passover special here.

Here are some local resources for your Passover needs:

• Congregation or Tikvah in Grayslake will have a seder Tuesday. E-mail howardrood@comcast.net for more information.
• Real Urban Barbecue in Vernon Hills will offer a Passover carryout menu March 25-April 2.
• Congregation Or Shalom in Vernon Hills is hosting a potluck seder at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
• Congregation B'nai Maccabim in Lake Bluff will sponsor a seder at a home in Green Oaks Monday.
• Congregation B'nai Tikvah in Deerfield will have services on Monday, incuding a candle lighting at 6:51 p.m.
• Central Avenue Synagogue in Highland Park has a calendar of Passover events.
• Congregation Solel in Highland Park will have a seder at noon Monday.
• B'nai Torah in Highland Park will have a first day festival service for Passover at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
• Kol Hadash, a Humanistic Jewish congregation on the North Shore, is hosting its annual community Seder on the second night of Passover, Tuesday, March 26 at the Bluegrass Restaurant, 1636 Old Deerfield Road in Highland Park, and is inviting individuals and families in the community to join them.
• Check out our directory for local grocers that have your Passover and seder essentials.

Know of more local Passover events? Share it in the comments.