Passover 2013


Passover's 'The Song of Songs' Is Correct Name, Not 'Solomon's Song'

By Philologos

The reading of ‘The Song of Songs’ is a Passover custom. Some called it ‘The Song of Solomon,’ but Philologos explains why the original name is preferable.Read More

Honoring the Many Liberations That Mark Passover

By J.J. Goldberg

In this season of deliverance, let’s raise a glass or four to the brave martyrs of Warsaw (and Dublin and Jerusalem). If we have the freedom to celebrate Seder, let’s all say dayenu.Read More

At Men's Only Seders, Challenges of Modern Jewish Man Are the Focus

By Alex Eidman

All-male Seders conducted annually by the Men of Reform Judaism give participants a place to talk about the challenges faced by the modern Jewish man.Read More

How Is the White House Seder Different From All Others?

By Devra Ferst

The Obamas’ Seder is a little different from others — it includes a reading from the Emancipation Proclamation. And, of course, the Secret Service knows where the afikomen is hidden.Read More

The Great (Passover) Dessert Challenge

By Adeena Sussman

As the holiday approaches, chefs around the country face one of their biggest challenges: Passover desserts. Luckily, their sweet treats don’t disappoint. Try their recipes!Read More

Gefilte Fish With a Human Face

By Nicholas Lemann

Growing up in New Orleans, Nicholas Lemann never had gefilte fish. As an adult, determined to improved the dish, he devised what he calls ‘Gefilte With a Human Face.’Read More

For Those Still Enslaved, Tomato Symbolizes Solidarity

By Joshua Lesser

After a trip to the tomato fields of Florida, Joshua Lesser added a tomato to his Seder plate. It reminds him of the virtual slavery of workers — happening here and now.Read More

A Statement on Your Seder Plate

By Gal Beckerman

Symbolic new foods have joined the parsley and charoset on seder plates. They represent a desire among Jews to use our ancient tradition to spotlight modern-day tenets.Read More

An Orange on Plate for Women — And Spit Out Seeds of Hate

By Susannah Heschel

Putting an orange on the Seder plate recognizes the contributions of women. Susannah Heschel, who originated the tradition, spits out the seeds to repudiate misogyny and homophobia.Read More

Put Olive on Seder Plate for Palestinians and All Oppressed Peoples

By Rebecca Vilkomerson

An olive on the Seder plate reminds us to ‘be bearers of peace and hope’ for the Palestinians — and all who are oppressed or living under occupation.Read More


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    • The Cronut has a new rival in town. Introducing the Cr'nish (really!) a croissant-knish hybrid filled with potato, caramelized onion and Portuguese sea salt available for $4 at the bakery at Bubby’s High Line http://jd.fo/a1Y3b Would you try one?
    • Should not believing in God be an impediment for conversion? Rabbi Andy Bachman says no: http://jd.fo/t1iAg
    • Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that he will be absent from Nelson Mandela's memorial service this week, citing the high cost of travel. Is it all about the taxpayers' best interest? Or is there something deeper going on? http://jd.fo/j1fED
    • "Yoo Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg!" The famed “Molly Goldberg Cookbook” is one of the volumes on display at an exhibit of culinary literature the University of Michigan. Details here: http://jd.fo/h1f3S What are your favorite Jewish cookbooks?
    • Juice cleanses fill the need that people have for old-fashioned religious staples like ritual, order, deprivation and ultimately, hopefully, transcendence. http://jd.fo/q1hDQ Have you tried one?
    • Thousands of Jews packed into a Johannesburg shul to pay tribute to Mandela, the 'Joseph of South Africa.'
    • The current NFL season demonstrates the great flaw of pro football: The quarterback has become too important. How did this happen? It all goes back to Sid Luckman. http://jd.fo/h1eDf
    • A quiet revolution is taking place among ultra-Orthodox women in Jerusalem. They have discovered the power of mascara.
    • The Council of Jews in Germany receives a river of hate mail. Disturbingly, a study shows that 60% of the letters come from well-educated Germans, including some university professors: http://jd.fo/t1for Does that number surprise you? Share your reactions in the comments.
    • "Also, one will beautify [Shabbat candle lighting] when the wick is made from cotton, flax or cannabis…” While researching #Shabbat customs, Yosef Glassman came across this reference. It sent him on a mission to learn about the biblical history of weed: http://jd.fo/j1d05
    • Could a 1976 movie starring Alain Delon have predicted the tale of Cornelius Gurlitt, found to be holding 1,280 pieces of Nazi-looted art in his Munich apartment? Find out: http://jd.fo/a1Voc
    • Greek geometricians like Euclid knew that letters could be used to solve numerical problems. Philologos explains how rabbis do the same with the Hebrew alphabet: http://jd.fo/i1d9n
    • What does the Bible say about contraception? Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg explains: http://jd.fo/f1cV9
    • Can you recognize Mandy Patinkin without his beard? The beloved facial hair that has become Saul Berenson's trademark look on "Homeland," is no more: http://jd.fo/h1cpf
    • Once, there was a less-complicated time when Jewish and African freedom struggles went hand in hand. J.J. Goldberg recalls memories of Mandela from a Zionist childhood: http://jd.fo/e1VRI
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