First Day of Passover in Australia

The first day of Passover, or Pesach, is a significant Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, as told in the book of Exodus. In Australia, as in many other countries around the world, Jewish communities observe this day with various religious and cultural traditions.

History and Significance: Passover begins on the 15th day of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar and lasts for seven or eight days. The story behind Passover centers on God delivering the Israelites from bondage in Egypt through a series of miracles and plagues, culminating in the parting of the Red Sea.

Traditions:

• Seder Meal: One of the central observances is the Seder meal held on the first night (and often also on the second night) of Passover. During this ritual feast, families and friends gather to retell the story of Exodus through readings, songs, and symbolic foods.
• Matzah: Leavened bread is forbidden during Passover. Instead, Jews eat matzah, an unleavened flatbread that symbolizes both affliction (as it resembles bread made in haste) and freedom.
• Four Cups of Wine: Throughout the Seder meal, participants drink four cups of wine or grape juice to represent themes such as redemption and freedom.
• Haggadah: The Haggadah is a text that outlines the order of the Seder and includes narratives, prayers, and commentary. It serves as a guide for conducting this ritual meal.
• The Afikoman: A piece of matzah called the afikoman is hidden during Seder for children to find later; this adds an element of fun and ensures their participation.

What People Do:

• Attend synagogue services where special prayers are recited.
• Prepare their homes by cleaning thoroughly to remove any chametz (leavened products).
• Engage in charitable acts (tzedakah), reflecting on themes of liberation and empathy for those who are oppressed.
• Spend time with family and friends during Seder meals where they enjoy traditional foods such as gefilte fish, matzah ball soup, charoset (a sweet paste made from fruits and nuts), bitter herbs (maror), roasted lamb shank bone (zeroa), roasted egg (beitza), among others.

In Australia's multicultural society with its diverse Jewish community hailing from various traditions around the world—including Ashkenazi Jews from Eastern Europe or Sephardic Jews from Mediterranean regions—Passover customs can vary but all share a common thread celebrating freedom and community cohesion.