Page 10 - Passover 2020 Haggadah

ANSWERING THE FOUR QUESTIONS
We were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt and God brought us out to freedom with a strong hand and an outstretched arm. And so we tell this great story every year.
Why do we eat matzah on Passover?
Matzah is made with carefully prepared flour mixed with water. It has no yeast, and is baked flat until crispy and brown. Eating matzah reminds us that when our people were escaping to freedom, they did not have time to let the bread rise prior to baking.
Why do we eat maror at the Seder?
Maror reminds us that the Egyptians made the lives of our ancestors bitter when
they were slaves.
Why do we dip foods twice?
We dip greens in salt water to remind us of the tears our people cried. We mix the maror in the charoset to remind us that Jewish slaves worked very hard in Egypt. When we combine something bitter and sweet, we remember that even when people are sad, there is always hope for a happier time.
Why do we lean in our chairs at the Seder?
Long ago, free people could lean on a pillow during meals to relax and be comfortable while slaves served them food. We lean on a pillow to remind us tht once we were free.
The Jerry Seinfeld Haggadah Introduction
Do you know why they call it Passover? G-d told Moses that the Israelites should mark their doorposts with lamb’s blood. So that He could “pass over” their houses. And spare them from the plague of the killing of the first born. My question is: Who was put in charge of telling everyone? That’s a big job. There’s a lot counting on that job. What if someone isn’t home? How did they tell them? Did they leave a note? Probably not. The Egyptians could see it. Would have ruined the whole plan. Did they just take the liberty of putting lamb’s blood on the door? What about when that family gets home, sees blood all over their door? “Honey, do you see this? Someone put blood on our door. Someone’s out to get us! You better get off the couch and wipe this off.” “I’m busy! Have our first born do it!”
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