Yesterday, after sunset, Jewish families around the world gathered at banquet tables to read together "Haggadah," a book explaining the release of the Israelites from two centuries of slavery in Egypt. With this meal begins Passover, or Pesach. The feast itself, which is conducted in accordance with strict rules, is called "seder", which in Hebrew means "order". On this evening the head of the family reads about God commanding Moses to bring the Jewish people from Egypt. Pharaoh did not want to let his slaves go, and thus ten "executions" were sent down upon Egypt: the waters of the Nile turned to blood, the streets were filled with many frogs, which were then replaced by swarms of lice and wild beasts, and then began the loss of cattle, the crop was killed by hail and locusts, Egypt plunged into darkness for three days and finally death was send down to the firstborn of the Egyptians.
On each table there are some festive dishes: matzah as a reminder about the dough that did not rise because the Jews left Egypt hurriedly. Bitter herbs (maror) are reminiscent of the bitter fate of the Jews in Egypt. The sweet paste of nuts, dried or fresh fruit, spice and sweet wines (haroset) symbolizes the clay from which slaves moulded bricks on the construction sites of the pharaoh. Salty water symbolizes tears shed by the Jewish slaves in Egypt. Greens dipped in salt water are a symbol of spring, fertility and eternal life reviving. A piece of meat on the bone (zroa) and an egg resemble the destruction of the Temple symbolize the sacrifices of Easter and the holiday. According to tradition, "zroa" can be eaten only on the day after the "seder". Each participant in a festive meal is assumed to drink four cups of wine. The only product which these days has no place not only at the holiday table, but generally in the house of a Jew, is bread and leavened bread (chametz).
This year, Erev Pesach fell on Friday night - the beginning of Shabbat (Holy Sabbath). Thus, the first day of the festival, which religious people traditionally spend on rest and prayer, would be "a festive Sabbath", in compliance with all Shabbat rules and prohibitions. The next five days are so-called semi-festivals, when some state institutions remain closed and some of them work half a day. However, most private sector enterprises operate on a normal schedule. Easter week ends with one more holiday. This year it falls on Saturday, April 14.
Jews living in Russia have been congratulated by the current President, the President-elect and the Chief Rabbi on the eve of the event. "From my heart, I congratulate all Russian Jews on Pesach. It recalls the most important event of biblical history - the deliverance of the Jewish people from centuries of slavery and the beginning of the journey to the Promised Land. Since these Old Testament times freedom has been one of the main spiritual and moral values, but in the modern world it has acquired universal value," President Dmitry Medvedev says in the telegram. According to the President, the successful development of Russia is directly related to the protection of the rights and freedoms of its citizens, the preservation of cultural and religious diversity and the struggle against xenophobia. "The Jewish community in Russia is actively cooperating with the government in solving these problems. Strengthening of social cohesion also contributes to the expansion of interfaith dialogue," the Head of State said.
"This is one of the most light and joyful celebrations, especially revered by Jews around the world. Its origins date back to such an important event for the Jewish people in biblical history as the Exodus that brought freedom after centuries of slavery. These days, Jews turn to the spiritual and moral values of their rich cultural heritage, which today are an indispensable universal value," Vladimir Putin said in his congratulatory message. The Prime Minister also said
that in his view, the traditions of Judaism are strengthening trust between people, "building up the future of Russia." "The Russian Jewish organizations have much to do with the successful development of our society, forming an atmosphere of tolerance and mutual respect of representatives of different faiths and nationalities," he added.
"In order to decide to follow Moshe (Moses), to choose freedom, our ancestors needed a real moral revolution. They realized that they should not fear: God made you free, and if you make a choice of a free person - God will definitely help," the Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar said. He recalled that the main lesson of Passover is that "on the righteous way a person can achieve anything", but for this one needs to 'be sure of the rightness of his cause, and rely on God. "' I wish you in these days of our joy, that God always help the Jews to realize themselves, that our children grow up free proud Jews. Then Jewish life in Russia will develop dynamically, and communities thrive. Merry and kosher Passover!" Lazar’s message says.
