Today is the start of Passover, the Jewish holiday that marks the Hebrews' escape from slavery in ancient Egypt and honors the endurance of the Jewish people.
According to the Bible, God inflicted ten plagues on the Egyptians so that the Pharaoh would release the slaves. The tenth plague was the killing of the firstborn, including the Pharaoh's own son.
The Hebrews, however, marked their doors with blood from a spring lamb. The spirit of the Lord passed over these homes, which is where the word "passover" comes from. After the Pharaoh freed the Hebrews, they left so quickly that they did not wait for bread to rise. For this reason, no leavened bread is eaten during Passover and the flat unleavened bread, called matza, is the primary symbol of the holiday.
The seder (a celebratory meal with symbolic food and a special plate) is held at the beginning of Passover, which continues for a total of seven days. If you are going to a seder tonight or tomorrow night, consider bringing flowers. They're easy and convenient to bring, and are always a wonderful way to thank your hostess.
