Tonight at sundown is the beginning of Pesach (Passover), the Jewish holiday that celebrates the Exodus from Egypt after generations of slavery. During the eight days of Passover, there are gatherings of friends and family and lavish dinners, called Seders, where the story of Passover is retold.
One thing that I love about Jewish holidays is the symbolism of the food, and few are more symbolic than the Seder dinner. I've been to many different Seders over the years, and they can range from very traditional to alternative and casual. I've been to huge gatherings where the dinner table runs the length of the house and smaller celebrations that are more intimate. The last few years we have attended a women's vegetarian Seder (which we will be participating in tomorrow night!).
Regardless of the number of guests or the type of Seder, there are often similar symbolic foods that grace nearly every table, such as the Seder plate, which contains the following items:
Charoset, a mixture of nuts, apples, cinnamon and wine that represents the mortar and bricks that the Jewish slaves made for the Pharaoh in Egypt
Parsley that is dipped in salt water to represent tears that were shed as a result of Jewish slavery
A roasted or boiled egg, which is a symbol of Spring
A shank bone, representing the sacrificial lamb (or at the vegetarian feast, something else is used such as a yam or other vegetable or fruit)
Bitter herbs, often freshly-grated horseradish and Romaine lettuce, representing the bitterness of slavery
Matzah, which is an unleavened cracker-like bread, is an important part of the Seder. It represents the haste with which the Israelites fled Egypt, as they did not have time to wait for the yeast to rise and had to bake the dough into flat bread in the desert sun. No leavened foods or grains are allowed to be eaten during the eight days of Passover. Matzah is broken at the table and shared between guests. Most people purchase it, but you can make your own if you are adventurous.
Wine is also a significant component of the Seder. Four glasses of wine are poured to represent the four stages of the Exodus. Finally, a place is set and a fifth cup of wine is poured for the prophet Elijah.