Passover began this year on Wednesday, April  5, 2023 for the approximately 15.3 million Jews worldwide.

With most COVID regulations, restrictions and concerns on the decline, Jewish families, once again joined around the table and retold the story of the Exodus from Egypt, as Jews fled the tyranny of the Pharaohs in Egypt.

Most people probably know the story of Moses and the 10 Commandments from the Charlton Heston movie, or for younger generations through the Rugrats episodes, Passover at its core is about struggle, survival and belief.

The bible tells of Moses, and how he was able to free the Jewish slaves and take them from under the rule of Pharaoh.

We know about the 10 plagues, the wandering in the desert for 40 years, the parting of the Red Sea, and, as with all major Jewish holidays there is much symbolism.

As with Rosh Hashanah, the New Year, Jews celebrate the sweetness of the New Year with apples and honey. For Yom Kippur, a day of atonement and repentance, there is fasting, on Chanukah the Festival of Lights, celebrations include foods fried in oil.

The focus on the Seder table is the Seder plate. The Seder plate contains six different foods: matzah,(unleavened bread) a green vegetable (usually parsley or lettuce) , a roasted lamb shank bone and haroset, which is a mixture of apples, walnuts, cinnamon wine, bitter herbs and a hardboiled egg. These foods all represent pieces of the Exodus story. In the Seder plate, each food is meant to tell the story.

During the Seder meal, those at the table read from a book called the Haggadah, or "the telling". It sets the tone of the evening, the prayers to be recited, and the readings to read.

For children, the best part of the Seder meal, is when an adult at the table gets up and hides the "afikomen", a broken piece of matzah.

For any kids at the table, though, it’s a game: after the meal, they’re sent running to hunt for the hidden afikomen. It’s sort of like hide-and-seek, but with religious significance. The kids bring it back to the table and everyone shares a bite. According to tradition, it is the leader of the service who must "buy back" the afikomen, usually with a treat or money.

It is only then, can the service be considered over.

"While it is a lot of work preparing the meal, getting out the china, crystal and trying to find Passover foods, I would never not do it, " said Emeline Gardner, Passover celebrant.

Gardner is third generation American, both her grandfathers were immigrants.

"I feel not only it is my obligation to carry on Jewish traditions, but an honor to remember the memories of all those who have gone before me," she said.

Gardner is disappointed and disillusioned with the rise of Antisemitism around the world and especially in the US.

"For me growing up, it was so hard to be Jewish. Having to explain to my classmates why I was eating matzah, while they happily munched on sandwiches. For my children, I was hoping the world would be a better, more inclusive and accepting place. Unfortunately, hate, ignorance and intolerance is rampant," she said.

Gardner is proud of her Jewish heritage and all the traditions that come with it.

"My Nana would make two types of matzo balls (dumplings), hard and heavy and light and fluffy. Now I do that too. My Bubbe would make homemade gefilte fish. I tried it once, and everyone is better for the jarred kind I buy. When I look around my table and see the faces of those seated, and I recall the memories of those there in spirit only, I feel calm and at peace," she said.

Gardner said she looks forward to many Seders around her table, and helping future generations prepare their meals.

For many Jewish families, Passover is really the holiday they can enjoy as a family. Since there is no rushing to get to temple for services like with Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur. A somber service with a joyous and festive meal and message – the Passover Seder – it also lacks the hectic backdrop of Hanukkah.