Passover Vocabulary
PESACH
Passover.
This holiday is traditionally observed eight days beginning with the
fifteenth day of Nisan. It marks Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage. The name is
derived from the tradition of the angel of death "passing over" (that is,
sparing) the Jewish homes when every Egyptian first-born was smitten. The struggle for
religious and political freedom is the central theme of the story of the Exodus. Seventy
Jewish souls entered Egypt, an insignificant minority in the vast population of the land.
Yet this small group, as it multiplied, remained loyal to all the basic principles of its
Hebraic character in spite of all pressure, or perhaps because of it. Under the remarkable
leadership of Moses, a new nation was born, destined to advance the cause of human freedom
and dignity.
Passover is also known as Chag ha-Matzos - Festival of unleavened bread
because Matzah is the major symbol in the freedom Festival.
MATZAH/MATZOH
The unleavened bread.
The required food at the Passover table is the Matzoh as a
reminder of the unleavened bread Israel's ancestors prepared and ate in haste after they
set out on their historic march to freedom from their bondage in Egypt.
MATZAHSHEMURAH
Unleavened bread, meticulously prepared.
This special type of Matzah is used at the Seder table, and by
some exceptionally observant Jews throughout the eight days of Passover. Its preparation
involves minute care and scrupulous precaution against any possible violation of the law,
from the cutting of the wheat to the baking in the oven.
HAGGADAH
The narrative or story.
The text of the home service on Passover night. The
Haggadah contains the ritual of the Passover service at home, the stories, psalms and
prayers extolling greatness of G-d who redeemed the Jewish people from Egyptian servitude.
AFIKOMEN
Dessert, piece of matzah.
Portion of the second of the three cakes of matzah placed
at the head of table to be eaten at the conclusion of the meal on Passover eve. The
Afikomen is "hidden away" at the beginning of the service and a reward is given
to the child that finds it. This is done to create interest among the young lestthey
become inattentive during the lengthy Seder service.
The word Afikomen is of Greek origin meaning desert. The conclusion of
the meal is marked by eating the Matzah put aside at the beginning of the service. We are
called up to end the festive meal with the unleavened bread to emphasize Matzoh's
centrality in the Seder service.
DAYENU
It is sufficient.
This term found in the Passover Haggadah is the title of
a song in praise of G-d with Dayenu as the refrain. The central theme of the song is that
of thanksgiving. For every miracle performed, we say: Dayenu. Even it nothing more were
done, we would still have sufficient reason for gratitude to the Almighty.
CHAD GADYO
The only kid.
This Passover song, though intended for children,
expresses a mature faith and belief. Every evil doer will eventually suffer the
consequences. In thefinal analysis G-d will reward and punish in accordance with each
man's deeds.
PASSOVER-1994/5754
Passover falls on March 26th, Saturday night this year.
The last time Passover fell on Saturday night was 12 years ago! We have to wait until Shabbos ends at 6:54 before we can start the Seder.