Passover . . .

Last week, we learned how people of the Jewish faith observe Passover and dietary guidelines described as Kosher.

First, the students were reminded how the Children of Israel escaped Egyptian bondage. The word “Passover” comes from the 10th plague, where God “passed over” the Israelites’ homes and spared their firstborn sons.

We also outlined a few basic facts about Kosher foods.
◦Certain animals may not be eaten at all. This restriction includes the flesh, organs, eggs and milk of the forbidden animals.
◦Of the animals that may be eaten, the birds and mammals must be slaughtered in accordance with Jewish law.
◦All blood must be drained from meat and poultry or boiled out of it before it is eaten.
◦Certain parts of permitted animals may not be eaten.
◦Fruits and vegetables are permitted, but must be inspected for bugs (which cannot be eaten).

Students were given a slice of Challah bread, which is the traditional Jewish Sabbath bread. They loved digging into a cup of hot Manischewitz Minestrone soup. The sweet ending was Manischewitz honey cake symbolizing a sweet new year, and reminiscent of the Promised Land with an abundance of milk and honey.

Learning about other cultures is interesting, fun, and essential in today’s society. I can hardly wait until all of us finally are in God’s Holy Promised Land.

Susan Zimmermann