Utah Jewish families prepare for first night of Passover
As sundown approached Monday, many Jewish families in Utah were hurrying to prepare for the first night of Passover. Rabbi Benny Zippel’s family searched their home for breads, rolls, cakes — anything made with leavening that causes dough to rise. Monday, they removed it and burned it outside Chabad Lubavitch of Utah Community Center. As the flames rose in a metal tub below the street curb, Rabbi Zippel said those who observe the strictest laws of Judaism are not permitted to eat or own any bread with leavening. He and his six children participated in the burning of chametz. “The chametz, the leavened food,air yeezy which is usually puffed up, is symbolic of one's arrogance and the awareness of one's self," he said. "So, spiritually speaking, the ceremony of the burning of the chametz signifies really the ultimate drive or need to attain humility and modesty by removing and eliminating the symbolic 10 pieces of bread which, once again, represent arrogance and self-awareness and to celebrate the holiday of Passover which commemorates the birth of the Jewish people." And freedom from Egyptian slavery, the Exodus. Passover marks the moment when, many believe, God passed over the houses of the Jews while the firstborn of Egypt were slain. Moses then led the children of Israel through the parted Red Sea. “I think the message that we can all keep in mind and we can learn from Passover is that you don't have to be Jewish for every person to attain personal freedom,” the rabbi said. After the burning, comes the celebration with song and dance to remind themselves of renewing the commitment. Three of the Rabbi's sons study outside the state. They wish to follow in his footsteps. “More than the academic lesson, it's a great opportunity to be seated next to my dad, kind of as a mentor role as he leads the Seder and he conducts the congregation," said rabbinical student Avremi Zippel. "More than learning the text and the basic rules about it, it's very much of a hands-on lesson which provides invaluable experience to the way I would want to lead a congregation as I'm allowed in life." At sundown, special Passover services begin. Following that, the congregation moves from the synagogue to the social hall for the first evening's dinner called a Seder which refers to the order of what takes place during the meal. The meal is ceremonial and contains food that is symbolic. The special plates have a place for each item. The participants will eat bitter herbs, reminding them of the bitter struggle as slaves, and vegetables, meat or fish and unleavened matzoh. They drink cups of wine at certain points in the dinner. Jewish children participate by asking key questions beginning with “Why is this night different from all other nights?” The answers bring Jewish families and friends together to remember. Passover lasts for seven days, eight outside of Israel.