Observing Passover in Cherry Hill: What You Need to Know

It’s almost time to break out the matzo. Passover arrives on March 25 this year, when Jews across the world will come together to retell the Exodus story over four cups of wine (or grape juice for those who can't indulge), and of course, a large, festive feast.

Passover Traditions

As the story goes, during their flight from slavery, the Jews did not have enough time for their dough to rise, resulting in a flaky cracker that is eaten instead of bread for a full week during Passover. The diet changes go beyond bread, however, and depend on family tradition. As a general rule, just look for the “Kosher for Passover” label, which spreads to more products year after year.

The Seder

On the first two nights of Passover, a Seder is held. This is when the story of Passover is told with the reading of the Haggadah. Some families even dress up and act out the story. Songs are sung, including "Dayenu," and as tradition, children sing the Four Questions, or Ma Nishtana. Over the course of the night, four cups of wine are consumed to celebrate freedom. Bitter herbs are also eaten as a reminder of the pain of the Jewish slaves.

The middle of the holiday, from March 28 to 31, is an intermediate period, or Chol HaMoed, when there are fewer restrictions. On these days more observant Jews are allowed to drive and use electronics, and in rare instances, work. The final two days of Passover fall on April 1 and 2, and are considered Holy Days.

Here are some local resources for all your Passover needs:

• Most supermarkets in the area are running a Kosher section; ShopRite of Garden State Pavilions also has the Kosher Experience, which is consistently ranked among the best in the region for Kosher shopping.
• Want to go out for a Kosher meal? There's Cherry Grill in the Barclay Farms shopping center, one of just a handful of OK Kosher-certified restaurants in New Jersey—and the only one south of Trenton.
• Want to find a Passover service this week? Cherry Hill's synagogues have specific information online. Check out the services at M'kor Shalom, Temple Beth Sholom, Congregation Ner Tamid, Chabad Lubavitch or Temple Emanuel.
  
• Temple Emanuel will also hold a special Passover service for parents of special-needs children on March 30 at 1 p.m.

For some educational fun with the kids, check out the Rugrats Passover special here.