fbpx
52.5 F
Spokane
Monday, March 18, 2024
HomeCommentaryAskAsk a Jew: Kosher for Passover

Ask a Jew: Kosher for Passover

Date:

Related stories

Seeds of Hope: Thoreau, Jesus, and Enduring Faith in Hard Times

In “The Succession of Forest Trees,” an 1860 address to folks attending a county cattle show (precursor to our county fair), Henry David Thoreau proclaimed his “faith in a seed.”

Let’s Check Our Ageism at the Door When Voting for President

Ageism happens to young and old alike. Though it’s much bigger news when it involves the two presumptive presidential candidates.

This Ramadan, Feel the Hunger and Feed the Hungry

Around the globe, Muslims, including myself, will be fasting for 29-30 days (depending on the sight of the moon), connecting with our Creator and finding solace at home or with our congregation. Ramadan gives us an opportunity to take a break from our fast-paced, hectic routines.

Happy National Sunshine Week: A Call for a More Transparent Government

The week of March 16 is celebrated as National Sunshine Week (this year March 10-16), calling for more transparency in government actions. 

Even My Inner Hermit Needs Connection

Tracy Simmons writes about how she challenges her inner hermit to reach out of her comfort zone to find connection with others, in her career and in her personal life.

Ask a Jew: Kosher for Passover

What questions do you have about Judaism? Submit them online, or fill out the form below. 

By Hyphen Parent

I want to make or give my Jewish friends something for Passover. I know there’s a lot they can’t eat, so what can I give them? 

My biggest tip is that food needs to be Kosher for Passover, not just Kosher. 

Some people think that Passover just means no bread, but the dietary restrictions are actually much more than that. 

During Pesach (Passover), there are restrictions on grain (wheat, barley, spelt, oats, and rye), yeast,  fermentation, and any items that have previously come in contact with those. Some communities also don’t eat kitniyot which are things like beans, rice, seeds, and corn. Houses are thoroughly cleaned to remove even crumbs.

Anything cooked in a kitchen that hasn’t been kashered for Pesach isn’t kosher for Pesach. So it’s best to purchase something specifically labeled “Kosher for Passover.”

There are Kosher for Passover packaged items you can give them. Many stores (especially in Spokane) have teeny tiny Passover sections, but you can usually find boxes of candies and things of the sort in the small kosher section at most grocery stores. There are also options online where you can order Kosher for Passover gift baskets. Just look closely to be sure the baskets are listed as specificially, “Kosher for Passover,”

The biggest thing to look for is the “Kosher for Passover” label. Things have to be Kosher for Passover. They can’t just be Kosher. Something like a box of Kosher crackers would be great the rest of the year, but can’t even be brought into the house during Passover. This is the most common misunderstanding I’ve seen. People see “Kosher” and think that’s good, but, during Pesach, we need “Kosher for Passover.”

It’s wonderful that you know about Pesach and want to reach out to your Jewish friends. That’s so thoughtful! A box of Kosher for Passover candy or a Kosher for Passover gift basket will likely be appreciated. 

Hyphen Parent
Hyphen Parent
Dorothy-Ann Parent (better known as Hyphen) is a writer, a traditional Jew, a seeker of justice, a lover of stories and someone who’s best not left unattended in a bookshop or animal shelter.

Ad

spot_img
spot_img
spot_img
spot_img
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
spot_img
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x