New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-05-04
A Trio Of Jewish Passover
Songs That Have Been
Handed Down
the Ages.

During seven DAYS. beginning on Mon
day. April Z-that being the 18th day OF
Nassau in their calendar-the Jews all
over the world celebrated feast which
was Instituted by Moses over three thou
sand years ago. II was the Passover a
memorial OF the peoples protection from
the last OF the plaques which won them
deliverance from Egyptian slavery. and
also the feast OF unleavened bread a
memorial OF the haste with which the
exodus was accomplished. From the time
Of the departure OF the Israelites from
Egypt down TO to-day. except possibly
during the Babylonian captivity, the in
functions OF their leader and lawgiver
have been observed wherever the jew
has wandered. and though sacrifices
were forbidden after the destruction OF
the Temple there is yet remnant Of the
Samaritan people in the Holy Land that
Stays roasts and eats the paschal lamo
with the ancient ceremonial rites kept
intact. Throughout the rest Of the world
the old symbols have again been sym
bolized, and though there is not the
strict adherence 10 traditional customs
among the reformed Jews Of to-day which
may be found among the orthodox II Is
plain from a study OF the book of ritual
rallied THE Union Haggadah,' edited and
published by the Central Conference OF
American Rabbis in 1908, that there re-
mains a strong affection among all Jews
for many Of the picturesque features Of
the old ceremonial. though the signifi-
canoe assigned 70 them by many genera
IL.
of some OF these features in their relation
10 folklore. more particularly folksong.
THIS article is addressed.
In a general way most persons of cul-
ture are more or less familiar with the
incidents Of the Passover celebration,
especially Of the "Seder'' service on the
first evening Of the memorial week. One
symbol OF that service. visible on all
sides ten days ago. is the nGtzdh which
finds a place upon the tables Of many
who neither inquire into nor care for its
history. during the continuance of the
festival. Among others is the raisin wine
which many generous Jews send 10 their
Christian friends at this period The
SCdcr service is an accompaniment Of the
family supper after the public service on
the evening of the feast. In il the mdtzGh
ceremonially eaten in memory OF the IN
lcavened bread which the Israeites were
compelled TO prepare because Of the hurry
Of their departure. In II also four memo
rial cups Of wine are drunk to the accom-
paniment OF prayer and Inscriptions Of
praise. and horseradish dipped into sweet
compound Of apples. almonds. raisins and
cinnamon. called "Haroseth,' and parsley
dipped in vinegar or salt water are eaten.
Upon tho table during the ceremony rest
"a roasted egg and the roasted bone Of
lamb The commemorative portion OF the
service, which includes a narration OF the
Incidents Of the delverance Of the Israel
ties from bondage and an exposition Of
the symbols and their significance, given
in the form OF answers 10 questions asked
by the youngest child present, concluded.
supper is eaten, grace pronounced,
psalms are chanted responsibility and
hymns are sung. three OF which are the
particular business OF this study. A con-
Guiding feature OF the service is the hunt
for portion OF the first matsGh by the
younger people in the party. The finder
claims a forfeit or reward from the
master Of ceremonies. and the fragment is
shared by all in the party so that, ac-
cording TO an ancient Interpretation, the
last taste in the mouth may be that Of
unleavened bread. This portion Of the
service Is called the Aphikomon, whose
Greek derivation discloses that II is the
after meal" or as we might say, the
dessert.
The American Union Rabbis do not pre-
scribe some Of the observances which
prevail at this festival in European coun-
tries and among the orthodox Jews here.
Though the three rldtzdh placed upon
the Seder table are carefully wrapped
each in its napkin. they are not deco
rated with cabalistic markings and named
respectively Israel 0he undermost one)'
Levi (the middle one) and Cohen. the
one which IS first broken, partly eaten
and partly reserved for the Aphthomon.
Tho master Of ceremonies does not re-
cline upon cushions at the table, as Is the
Oriental custom. There is no washing OF
hands during the ceremony. either by the
host at the beginning after the hrst
prayer or by all the participants after
the story Of the exodus has been told
other ceremonies. though described In the