PASSOVER PAGE

Pesach begins on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Nissan. It is the first of the three major festivals with both historical and agricultural significance (the other two are Shavuot and Sukkoth). Agriculturally, it represents the beginning of the harvest season in Israel, but little attention is paid to this aspect of the holiday. The primary observances of Pesach are related to the Exodus from Egypt after generations of slavery. This story is told in Exodus, Ch. 1-15. Many of the Pesach observances are instituted in Chapters. 12-15.

Pesach lasts for seven days (eight days outside of Israel). The first and last days of the holiday (first two and last two outside of Israel) are days on which no work is permitted.

RECIPE FOR TSIMMES

Carrot, Sweet Potato & Apple Tzimmes

Amount Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3                     Carrots -- sliced
4                     sweet potato -- sliced
3                     tart apple -- peeled and sliced
1              large onion -- sliced
  1/2           cup brown sugar
3        tablespoons fat
1                cup water
                        salt and pepper -- to taste

Slice veggies and apples.
Cook carrots and potatoes until tender.
Layer carrots, potatoes, apples and onions.
Season with sugar, salt and pepper. Dot with fat.
Add water.
Cover and bake 350^ for 30 minutes.
Remove cover and bake until golden and tender.

RECIPE FOR CHAROSET

This fruit, nut and wine mix is eaten during the Seder. It is meant to remind us of the mortar used by the Jews to build during the period of slavery. It should have a coarse texture. The ingredient quantities listed here are at best a rough estimate; I usually just eye-ball it. The recipe below makes a very large quantity, but we usually wind up making more before the holiday is over. Other fruits or nuts can be used.

4 medium apples, 2 tart and 2 sweet
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
1/4 cup sweet wine
1/4 cup dry wine
1 Tbs. cinnamon

Shred the apples. Add all other ingredients. Allow to sit for 3-6 hours, until the wine is absorbed by the other ingredients. Serve on matzo.

List of Dates

Pesach will begin on the following days of the Gregorian calendar. Remember that all holidays begin at sundown on the date before the date specified here.

April 20, 2008 (Jewish Year 5768)

STUDY RABBI PAGE HISTORY CALENDAR

LINKS PRESIDENTS PAGE

This site is maintained by Naomi's Web Designs