The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-04-20
CELEBRATION OF "PEsAoH."
The Feast of the Passover Begins This
Evening at O'clock.

which begins at o'clock this evening,
and continues eight DAYS.
This feast marks the period when the
Jewish people regained their liberty, Of
which they had been deprived by the
Egyptians. For years the Hebrews had
been held in slavery by their Egyptian
conquerors. The requirements Of the
slave drivers became more and more OPP
pressive, until opon revolt ensued, and
Moses demanded freedom foI" his people.
ne king denied this right under various
PreteXts, Misfortune after misfortune
Deteu the Egyptians, which the Jews
claimed was Just punishment for their
cruelties. Finally one night the oldest
chlld OF every family was slain, the house
hoIds OF the lsraelities alone being ex-
empted Upon this Pharaoh consented to
grant the slaves their liberty. When
word 10 this effect was received the Jews
hastily gathered their effects and left the
country, under the leadership of Moses.
In the meantime Pharaoh repented of his
action, and calling troops, pursued the
fleeing Hebrews. When he came up with
them they had crossed the Red Sea, and
In attempting TO follow, he and his band
were drowned.
1t Is some six thousand years since the
Jews gained their liberty, but thei event
is not forgotten, and is celebrated year
~ S-AA NAeAA JOY Oll n pL II ~ VI
as it is termed in the Hebrew calendar,
the l4th day of Nissan, is the anniversary
ot.the day on which the journey out of
Egypt was begun, and the time inter-
yen1ng between that day and the one on
which the Red Sea was crossed (seven
days later is strictly observed.
1t is related that in the hasty prepare
lions for fight made by the followers of
Moses bread was baked to take on the
journey, but in the hurry there was no OPP
portunity to allow the bread to rise, and
1t was thrust, into the oven in its unlea-
vened state. In remem brance of this fact
the Jews eat no leavened bread or other
fermented food during the Passover cele-
bration.
Among the orthodox Jews preparations
for the Passover celebration begin two or
three days in advance of the holiday. Pro-
visions are bought in small quantities, so
that no fermented food or drink shall be in
the larder during that time. So strict is the
injunction that no such food shall be eaten,
or even allowed to remain in the dwelling,
that every nook and corner is thoroughly
examined to discover any particle that
may possibly have found Judgment. To
make assurance doubly sure, when all
the remnants of leavened food have been
collected, some crumbs of bread are scat
tered far and wide, necessitating a second
search, which is personally superintendent
by the master of the house. When the
crumbs have been gathered all the leav-
ened food is burned During the Pass
over unleavened bread is used in its place.
The unleavened bread, or matzoth, is a
large, round, thin, brittle cracker, made
simply of flour and water. Matzoth can
be seen on sale all over the city, in gro
Gerry and delicatessen stores. For gen
eral cooking purposes -four made by
grinding the matZoth is used. Thousands
of pounds of matzoth are distributed
annually by the Hebrew charitable socie-
ties among the needy.
The celebration of the 'Sedarr on the
first and last night of "Pesach" is one of
the most interesting ceremonies in every
Jewish orthodox household, and is a
unique and striking proceeding when wit
messed by Gentiles. OF especial interest
is it to the younger generation, while the
older people regard it as a day of reunion
which nothing is allowed to interfere
with. 1t is an occasion which has been
described as one when all families are not
only permitted to look upon the wine
when it is red, but they are compelled to.
AT certain periods during the ceremony
every glass is partly emptied when the
head of the family replenishes it.
A quaint literary production of rabbini-
cal times, known as the Hagada, is read
by the head of the family, as all are
seated around the table, after which
follows sumptuous repast, the very best
that can be afforded. In orthordox fami-
lies even the servants are participants at
these ceremonies. After the supper the
peculiar parallels and poems are resumed.
The Hagada is written in popular style,
easily understood by the smallest child.
The story of the deliverance of Israel
from slavery in Egypt is recited, and
many of the passages in the Hagada are
written in humorous strain Several
songs are included, and one known as
Chad Gagiyah' particularly amuses
both parents and children.
The table, around which the household
is gathered. contains the cups of wine, a
plate filed with matzoth or passover
bread, roasted egg, some bitter herbs
significant of the embittered lives of the
lsraelites in Egypt, and ground mix
ture OF nuts, apples and wine.
Among reformed Jews the majority of
these forms are no longer in force, but in
every synagogue, Sabbath school and
Jewish home the story and its lesson are
explained, and deeply impressed on the
| children as well as upon adults.
In some OF the countries of Europe per
| secution of the Israelites has not entirely
| ceased, but even in those countries it is
! moderated TO great extent. But when
! the American Hebrew, whose liberty is a
| that of his ancestors, it is 10 wonder that
! he feels doubly cause for Thanksgiving.
| 1t is possible that he appreciates the
| blessing of freedom even more than the
descendants of the Hibernian, Teuton or
Saxon, with whom he has joined in build
| ing up the land of the free"
The music will be an especial feature of
the passover services which begin at 6 30
s'clock this evening. The choir will be
| composed of Mrs. 7. p. Wichenberg, So
pranO; Mrs. II. L. Shreiner, alto; Mr.. +.
r. Rebarer, tenor and director; MIR.
Thomas Dyhes, bass, and Miss Florence
Colding, oranist. There will be no SER
mon at the evening service, which will be
as follows:
Opening hymn, Freedom for Pesach).
NUN lOJoO. ....-..... Snlral IehlllOh
baI .'............ u OldSteln
AuOuol -............. Oldstein
" - 1uiOCuo, '''....- ............ GOldSteln
y ''HHlA4 " 100. ......... NaumD burg
May the Words of My Mouth 80. Schuman
llsudI' .-- ..-........ .LeWandOwSky
The services tomorrow morning begin
at 10 o'clock a. N. Beside a lecture by
DR.. Mendes, the following music will be
| heard