This year Passover began on Monday, April 14, at sunset, to celebrate the Jewish people’s emancipation from slavery under the Pharaoh’s rule in Egypt and lasts for a total eight days. It also serves as a sober reminder on the hardships the Jews had to endure before gaining freedom. It traditionally starts with a Seder dinner on the first and second night of the holiday.
But if you have been too busy to plan ahead any sort of Passover celebrations or are new to celebrating this holiday, here are some helpful tips to guide you through Passover in Boston:
Quick Background:
The story of Passover began when the Pharaoh of Egypt forced the Jews to do slave work around the cities of Egypt. Threatened by the sheer number of the Jews, he ordered for all Jewish boys to be thrown into the Nile. Only one survived, Moses, and was taken care of by the Princess of Egypt. When Moses grew up he was told by God to free the Jews from slavery.
After several failed attempts of persuasion of Moses yelling at the Pharaoh “To let my people go!” God decided to set a wrath of 10 plagues ending with killing off the first-born child of every Egyptian family. The Jews sacrificed a lamb and placed the blood on their door so that the Angel of Death would pass over their home. Thus, the annual holiday is called ‘Passover’.
The Pharaoh finally decided that enough was enough and set the Jewish free. In a rush to leave before the Pharaoh changed his mind, the Jewish people didn’t have time to leaven their bread, creating matzah, and followed Moses to the Sea were God famously parts the water to let the Jews through. When the Pharaoh orders his troops to go get them back they are swallowed up by the water and the Jews are free, well to wander the desert for another forty years…
Where To Eat Out That Is Kosher For Passover:
1. Craigie On Main: will have an inspired Passover menu for April 15th and 16th. Celebrating Passover has been a part of the Craigie’s family tradition and has always been chef’s Maw’s favorite Jewish holiday. An example of some of things they will be serving include asparagus a la schmaltz, chicken and matzoh- stuffed chicken and Baba Hannah’s matzoh ball soup. The restaurant is located at 853 Main Street, Cambridge, MA.
2. Lumičre: During the first two nights of Passover, the restaurant will be offering a full menu of holiday dishes including Chatham haddock salad, roasted chicken, and flour-less chocolate soufflé. The restaurant is located at 1293 Washington St, Newton, MA.
How To Get Creative With Left-Over Manischewitz:
What is usually used to dot the ten plagues on your plate during a Seder, Shalom Japan a restaurant located in Brooklyn, NY decided to take the famously sweet kosher wine to a whole new level. The Oy Vey Iz Kir is a cocktail made up of Manischewitz and sparkling wine. Simply pour 3/4 ounce of Manischewitz into a Champagne flute and top it with sparkling wine or Champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist. Bam! It’s a completely different kind of cocktail.
To read more about speciality cocktails read “Celebrate Passover with These Inspired Cocktails from Eastern Standard’s Bar Manager”
– Chag Sameach, have a joyous Passover!
Image via CBC.ca
