Passover celebrations begin on the 15th day of the first Hebrew month of Nisan. The festival commemorates the exodus of Israelites from the slavery of the cruel Egyptians. It is celebrated throughout the world with immense zeal and enthusiasm, though traditions vary from country to country. Passover holiday is observed by the Ethiopian Jews as they consider their story similar to that of their Israeli ancestors. During Operation Moses in 1984-85, over 8,000 Jews fled to safe-haven in Israel from Sudan. Most of the Jews trekked from Ethiopia to Israel through Sudan. Hence, Passover marks the freedom of Ethiopian Jews as well. Read on to know more about Ethiopian celebrations and traditions of Pesach.
Passover Celebrations In Ethiopia
Ever since the American Association for Ethiopian Jews (AAEJ) began making efforts for rescuing and bringing Jews suffering in Africa to Israel in 1074, many Ethiopians have migrated to Israel. With the number starting from 200 about 35 years back, the number has increased to over 1,00,000 Ethiopian Jews becoming Israeli citizens. To commemorate Passover and their past, the Ethiopian Jews break all their old existing earthenware dishes and cooking utensils and purchase new ones. This act symbolizes a break from the past thereby starting afresh and moving forward into a new life.
The Seder table is decorated with unique Ethiopian Jewish folk crafts brought all the way from Israel. Women in northern Israel, Afula, make hand-embroidered matza covers, table runners, mezuzahs and other decorations. While preparing homes for the festival, the houses are cleaned and searched at ever corner and thatch for any left out crumb of chametz. They prepare matzo from wheat or legume flour mixed with water and salt. The Seder meal is more like a springtime celebration for the Ethiopians. The head of the family, known as kes (rabbi), leads the gathering by reading out the events from the Torah, such as the slaughtering of the paschal lamb, the 10 plagues and the Exodus.
Traditionally, the Haggadah has no significant role in the Ethiopian Seder meal. To add on, the drinking of the four cups of wine was also introduced after a group of Ethiopian Jews visited Europe in the 19th century and incorporated into their traditions. These festivities were confined to households and vicinities only. In the recent times, the Ethiopians have started celebrating in public with organizing Ethiopian Seder open for everyone thereby creating a casual Seder atmosphere which blends with the Ethiopian Jewish life.
