As previously mentioned, our purpose in coming to Las Vegas was to celebrate the Passover Seder with our fellow CHAI members. Twenty-five of us, members and family, led by Jay and Donna, followed the traditional Haggadah (passover prayer book) and performed the rituals followed by our people for generations. With prayers and readings we recalled the story of the exodus from Egypt. The tastes of maztoh (unleavened bread), maror (bitter herbs) and charoseth (a sweet mixture of apples, nuts, honey and wine) reminded us of the suffering of our ancestors followed by the joy of freedom.
The center pieces of the table include a plate with commemorative foods, a cup of wine for Elijah, and a plate of matzohs. The covering of this plate was embroidered over a hundred years ago by the grandmother of three of our participants.
Passover is observed for two nights in countries beyond Israel. On both nights we enjoyed a festive meal though the pot luck one was better than the catered one. Nothing like a touch of homemade to add delicious flavor.
CHAI adds its own tradition to our get-together. The men make matzoh brei, a pancake of softened matzoh and eggs. This is one our “soul” foods.
After breakfast we bade farewell and continued on our various journeys.
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