Color of the day: Crimson Incense of the day: Mulberry Last night at sundown, Passover began, making today the first day of Passover: the holiday that commemorates the Jewish liberation from slavery in Egypt. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular for non-Jewish populations, particularly oppressed minorities, to hold a seder (a Passover meal) to honor liberation in various forms. President Obama began the tradition of having a White House seder meal, which included a recitation of the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, learn about the history and customs of Passover and plan your own seder meal to respect past struggles and celebrate liberation you’ve experienced personally or that has been experienced by your ancestors or historical groups with whom you share a common bond (such as an ethnic group, a spiritual community, or the LGBTQ community). Some traditional aspects of the seder meal include matzo ball soup, four glasses of wine, and the absence of leavened bread. |