In Jewish tradition and history, Pesach or Passover is one of the festivals noted for its diversity and many meanings. It is a festival that commemorates the emancipation of the Jewish slaves from Egypt. The name Pesach comes from the fact that the houses of the Israelites were 'passed over' during the plague that killed the first born sons of Egypt. During this celebration there are many traditions that the Jewish culture follows: from the food that they eat to the stories that they tell. (Pesach 1)
Taking place the first 2 nights of the 8 day holiday, the Seder meal is the most important event in the Passover celebration. Usually gathering the whole family and friends together, the Seder is steeped in long held traditions and customs. Leading up to the first night of Passover, the home is cleaned and cleared of all yeast foods, called hametz. All hametz is either eaten before Passover begins or "sold" to non-Jewish neighbors and friends. The rules surrounding Passover are strict and many, with only special foods, utensils, and dishware allowed. Kitchen utensils and dishware normally used in the home are not be used during Passover. Special dishes and utensils for the Passover holiday are taken out of storage, cleaned and used. Only foods that are "Kosher for Passover" are allowed. No leavened (containing yeast) foods or grains are eaten. In their place matzoh and foods containing matzoh are eaten. This is to commemorate the Israelites who fled quickly into the desert with no time for their breads to rise and were forced to bake the dough into hard crackers in the desert sun. All foods prohibited during Passover must be disposed of the morning of the first night of Passover. With its Passover dishware and silverware, the Seder table is different than the regular dinner table. The centerpiece of which is the Seder plate, a special plate containing the 5 foods that remind us of the struggle of the Israelites in their quest and journey to freedom Three pieces of matzoh are placed in a Matzoh Cover (a cloth ...