Congregations
observe Passover

Jewish people in Hawaii and throughout the world will begin the observance of Passover next weekend.

The holiday celebrates the birth of the Jews as a people when they were led by Moses out of slavery in Egypt more than 3,000 years ago, a story told in the book of Exodus.

Jews throughout the world traditionally celebrate Passover with a communal meal, called a Seder, at which foods described in the biblical account are ritually served and the Haggadah, the story, is told. Passover continues for eight days with family celebrations and religious services.

Seder meals planned by Oahu Jewish congregations are open to nonmembers. They include:

» Chabad of Hawaii -- April 23 and 24, Ala Moana Hotel, Garden Lanai Room, 410 Atkinson Drive. Thursday is the deadline for reservations. Call 735-8161. The cost for visitors is $90 for adults and $55 for children, with $15 savings per ticket for reservations made by tomorrow. The kamaaina rate is $50 for adults and $25 for children, with savings if booked by tomorrow.

» Kehilat haMelech -- April 24, Radisson Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel ballroom, 2500 Kuhio Ave. Call 236-0440 for reservations, which must be paid in advance. Cost is $40 for adults and $18 for children ages 6-12. The Haggadah used by this Messianic Jewish community includes references to Jesus and the Seder he observed with his apostles before his death.

» Temple Emanu-El -- April 24, Hale Koa Hotel, Waikiki Ballroom, 2055 Kalia Road. Wednesday is the deadline for reservations. Call 595-7521 or reach chairwoman Alida Rutchick at 537-3754 or alidarutchick@hawaii.rr.com. The price for nonmembers is $60 for adults, $35 for children ages 5-12 and $25 for full-time college students.

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On the menu

The menu for the Seder meal is in the book of Moses: a roasted yearling male lamb or kid, bitter herbs, unleavened bread. Other foods with symbolic meaning will be found on the platter. The communal meal served in modern times at a hotel also will include banquet fare in addition to the ritual meal.

Matzo: Unleavened bread; the quick escape from Egypt gave no time to let bread rise. As "the bread of affliction," a reminder of the simple food of slaves.

Z'roah: Roasted shank bone; the original Passover sacrifice was lambs whose blood was smeared on Hebrew door posts. When God struck down the firstborn sons of Egypt, he passed over the houses thus marked.

Maror: Horseradish recalls the bitterness of slavery.

Betzah: Roasted egg, a reminder of the continuing cycle of life.

Karpas: Parsley signifies spring and rebirth of the earth.

MeiMelach: Salt water symbolizes tears shed by the slaves.

Charoset: Chopped apple, nuts and wine depict mortar used in bricks in Egypt and the sweetness of freedom.

Arba Kosot: Four cups of wine or juice represent God's four promises of redemption.