Tips on observing passover if you're not Jewish

Knowing the meaning of Passover will allow people who are not Jewish to enjoy this celebration more fully at the Passover "Seder." Here are some tips on what Passover is.

• Egypt enslaved the Hebrews for 400 years.
• Several times Moses asked the Pharaoh to release them, and each time the Pharaoh agreed, but also reneged.
• With each broken promise, a disease, destruction, plague or catastrophe was sent to Egypt.

• The tenth, and last, of the catastrophes was the death of the firstborn child of every Egyptian family.
• God instructed the Hebrews to kill a lamb and smear the household door-frames with the lamb's blood as a signal for the catastrophe to "pass over" that home.
• The Pharaoh was moved to action after the deaths, including his own son, and ordered the Jews to leave. They had little time to gather supplies for their journey to the Holy Land; one result of this lack of time was unleavened bread.

• The celebration of Passover remembers and celebrates this exodus. During the celebration, Jews follow specific traditions, including that they do not work on certain days and do not eat or drink any leavened food during the week.
• A Seder ("SAY'-der") is a celebration, often at the start and/or the end of the Passover week, which takes place over a special meal. It is a ceremony rife with rituals; it is more than just a meal.

• If you are invited to a Seder, arrive on time. This is an orchestrated celebration; there is a script to follow.
• Wear comfortable business attire; Seders can last several hours.
• Don't bother telling the host what you can, can't or don't eat, each item of food served at a Seder has meaning. The host will have spent several days preparing the meal; don't expect them to heat your apps or serve your wine.
• Bring a vased floral arrangement unless you were asked to bring something specific.
• Don't be afraid to ask if there is something you can contribute; the host may appreciate the help.
• The focal point of the Seder table is a decorative plate with five foods surrounding the centre and a plate of at least three Matzah: unleavened bread. Each has meaning, and the meaning will be explained and discussed as the meal progresses.
• For example, the unleavened bread is the reminder of the haste with which the slaves left Egypt. The lamb shank bone is a reminder of the slaughtered lamb whose blood marked the door frame on the night of Passover, and the bitter herbs are a reminder of the bitterness of slavery.

• While the sentiments and reminders are somber, the celebration is also for renewed life, fellowship, family and loved ones, and is an occasion of joy.
• Ask questions, be mindful and enjoy a centuries-old tradition.