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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Broward chapter.

The Spiel

Most of us know the story of Passover from the epic film, The Ten Commandments. This holiday is a remembrance of the Exodus from slavery in Ancient Egypt. Families eat a special meal called a Seder that is full of unique symbolic foods.

Moses had to lead the Jewish people out of Egypt in a hurry. Since there was no time to bake bread that could rise, a crunchy flatbread called Matza was made instead.

This is why Passover is called the “Festival of Unleavened Bread.”

The Seder

Seder literally means “sequence” and is a 15 step ritualized meal that signifies the narrative of the Israelites deliverance from slavery. 

The Seder occurs during the first two nights of Passover.

 

The Four Cups

Representing the four expressions of deliverance.

“I will bring out,” ” I will deliver,” “I will redeem,” and “I will take.”

 

The Seder Plate

Symbolic foods used to retell the Passover story.

1. Bitter Herbs

2. Parsley

3. Sweet Charoset

4. Hard Boiled Egg

5. Lettuce

6. Lamb Shank Bone

 

The Matza

A special round matza is broken in half and called the, Afikoman.

It is hidden during the Seder for children to find.

 

The Open Seat

The messianic prophet Elijah is welcomed with an open door and seat and the table. Moses’ sister Miriam, is honored with a cup of water.

 

The Haggadah

A special prayer book that outlines the 15 steps in the Seder sequence.

 

The Four Questions

The youngest child in the family traditionally asks the questions:

THE INTRO: Why is this night different from all other nights?

1. Why do we eat matza instead of bread?

2. Why is that on this night we eat bitter herbs?

3. Why is it we dip twice in salt water?

4. Why is it that we eat in a reclining position?

 

The Ten Plagues

Calamitries infected to persuade Pharoh to release the Jewish people from captivity:

1. Nile turns to blood.

2. Frogs.

3. Lice.

4. Flies.

5. Pestilence.

6. Boils.

7. Hail.

8. Locusts.

9. Darkness.

10. Death of the firstborn.

 

The Isrealites were instructed to paint their doors with Lamb’s blood so their homes would be “passed over,” by the final plague.

 

The Last Supper

The famous scene in Renissance art actually depicts a Passover Seder.

but, where’s the Matza? NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM!

 

The Numbers

8 days and nights

15th of the month of nisan, between March and April

13:8 Exodus tells the story of Passover

40 years of traveling in the Sinai Desert after the Exodus from Egypt

14 BCE is thought to be when Passover first took place 

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Tiffany Joseph

Broward '20

I'm Miss. Congeniality of Broward College North Campus, Events Coordinator of the Psychology Club at Broward College North Campus, new president of Her Campus Broward, I work for Student Services at Broward College North Campus, and I just like to get involved in many great activities that benefit my personal growth.
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Student at Broward College for the past five years, first enrolled on Davie's Central Campus learning Physical Therapy for two years than, transferring to Coconut Creeks North campus for the last three years, now majoring in Early Childhood / Developmental Education. Spent first year with Her campus Broward as Outreach Director, former president of self-entitled campus friendship club, Sammy's Buddy Brigade, member of the Campus Science Club, and a Broward County local student Ambassador with Best Buddies International. Winner of the Sammy's award for most charity work within the community, and now Vice President of Her Campus Broward. I hope to soon be working at Junior Achievement with the elementary and middle school children, in order to have a well rounded experience! The hope is to one day work with and teach children who have special needs such as myself! Biggest belief and philosophy of life is that, no matter what anyone says you can't accomplish in life, I am living proof that anything is possible! Having ADHD, high functioning Autism, and medical conditions such as Scoliosis, helps me to understand special needs children on a level that very few people can! It is this very knowledge that led me to choose Teaching as my chosen profession. Now at age 42, and more than 55% on the way to getting an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education, I hope to become an Assistant Teacher within the next year or so. We hope that this true life story will inspire others to never give up either, no matter what anybody says, or tells you, that you can't do, the only one who can truly hold you back is "YOU".