Why pass over the food?

Passover is one of the most commonly practiced Jewish holidays, and yet, I’m pretty sure it’s one of the holidays we qvech about the very most! For many, eighth days without chameitz is a nuisance. But, I really enjoy a week without bread and other such foods. It helps me renew my appreciation for the foods I usually take for granted. And, in all honesty, I loves me some Passover snacks.

When I was little, the candy fruit slices resting on the kitchen counter shined like jewels. Their chewy, wobbly, sugar-coated goodness called out to me. It said, “Jenna, break the plastic wrap separating you from my yumminess. Come on, no one will notice if you eat just one.” This was obviously not true since, as you may or may not be familiar, there is a very limited amount of each flavor, and their package displays how many remain. Sometime the urge won, sometimes, I’d just sneak a little chocolate matzo instead.

Also, I look forward to fried matzo a ridiculous amount. As a die-hard lover of fluffy bread products, I think fried matzo is ten times better than French toast. I just feel so at ease eating Passover food because, to me, the change in culinary scenery indicates the coming of my favorite Jewish holiday. The funny food means that my family will get together, have a seder and just relax together. To me, brushing matzo residue off my clothes means that the time to celebrate with my family and remember what means to be a free people has returned.