I just nibbled away another bagel, my creative way of ridding the house of chametz. While the lovely Miss Wendy and Lauren schmaltzified a batch of chicken livers, then ground the mixture into a thick puree – chopped liver, anyone – I scoured about for bits of bread.
All this effort is a holiday tradition, getting ready for that most wonderful time of year – Passover. We’ll be trekking down south this year, wandering about like our ancient ancestors thousands of years ago. They fled Egypt and make it to Canaan, the Promised Land. We’re hoping to make it to Jacksonville.
We’ll be schlepping a few boxes of matzo, a container of chopped liver, Passover soda, pasta and cereal; holiday cakes, cookies and pies! Most of these goodies look lovely and sweet and taste like cardboard. That’s what happens when you attempt to de-chametz food products that should include flour and yeast. Trust me here; it’s a Jewish thing!
It’s all part of Passover, a week of ritual and suffering, recalling the struggles of the ancient Hebrews. At least God was good enough to provide them with Manna. In our oh-so modern world, we get macaroons, sweet wine, airy desserts, matzo-coated everything and, ultimately, constipation.
We also get a chance to spend time with family and friends, connect with our unique and distant past; figure out yet again how we’re all connected and where we fit in this crazy world that’s constantly changing and moving at light speed.
I’m thinking that’s why Passover remains one of the most observed Jewish holidays; okay, that and the chocolate-covered matzo. You know what else everybody likes? Parfaits! Have you ever met a person, you say, “Let’s get some parfait,” they say, “Hell no, I don’t like no parfait”? Parfaits are delicious.
But, ahh, I digress. I’ll simply finish by wishing all my Jewish family and friends Chag Sameach; my Christian friends Happy Easter; and everyone else – that would be you, Bill – a wonderful weekend and that we all live long and prosper!
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