Passover is an important religious holiday for many Jewish families. They get together to celebrate with sacred traditions and family meals. As with most high holidays, food is an integral part of the celebration. However, there are strict dietary guidelines you must follow to prepare a kosher meal for Passover 2022. Unfortunately, meat shortages are making it more difficult to find kosher foods this year. But, don’t worry! There’s still time. And, you can find everything you’ll need at Costco to prepare all your Passover meals.
What Is Passover?
The Passover festival, also known as Pesach, is the Jewish holiday in which believers commemorate the Israelite’s exodus from slavery in Egypt. Although the dates change from year to year, it takes place in spring and lasts eight days. This year, Passover begins on April 15 and finishes on April 23.
The Passover Seder is the most important tradition and remains among the most widely observed rituals among Jews around the world. During the festival, there are several kosher rules for the preparation of the meal and the kinds of food that can be consumed.
What Does Kosher Mean?
During Passover, followers who observe the holiday adhere to a kosher diet. So if you plan on going kosher for Passover 2022, there are certain foods you must avoid. In particular, eating kosher means that you can only have items that are free of chametz, or foods with leavening agents. Therefore, you cannot consume grains such as wheat, flour, barley, oats, rye, or other food products that have risen or fermented. This also excludes most forms of alcohol as well.
Even the smallest amount of chametz is a problem and makes the food unfit for consumption. Therefore, people thoroughly scour their homes, kitchens, and dishware in preparation for Passover. Furthermore, any food you buy from the grocery store must also be packaged and processed according to the same guidelines. However, there are many commercially-produced items that receive a kosher label from rabbinical organizations. These agencies mark the labels with a “P” so customers know it is kosher.
What Is the Traditional Passover Meal?
The Seder Meal
In remembrance and celebration of their freedom from Egypt so many years ago, Jewish people gather for kosher meals each night of Pesach. However, the Passover meal takes place on the first night for Jews living in Israel, and the second night for those living elsewhere.
Each family has its own traditions, but the Seder meal and service are the most important ritual. It explains much about the origins of Passover which is all contained in the Haggadah text. It also includes the liturgy, order instructions, and a description of why each food is included in the Passover plate.
The symbolism behind each food commemorates both their suffering under Pharaoh and redemption from slavery.
- wine – to celebrate their freedom
- matzoh – a simple unleavened flatbread much like the food their ancestors ate during their time in slavery
- root vegetables – celery, potatoes, or parsley are dipped in water and eaten to remind them of the tears they wept
- bitter herbs – romaine lettuce or horseradish to remind them of the bitterness of those difficult times
- charoset – a paste made from wine, apples, nuts, and cinnamon that is reminiscent of the mortar they used to construct buildings for the Egyptians
- chicken or lamb – a sacrificial animal most Jewish families would have enjoyed during similar gatherings
These foods will be present at every Seder meal. And, all additional food will also follow kosher rules. Many foods we use every day such as meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables are kosher. Some wines and alcohol also comply with kosher guidelines.
Dietary Restrictions
While it is good to know what you can eat, you should also know which foods to avoid. Many Jews already follow strict dietary laws known as kashrut. People who adhere to these rules do not eat pork, shellfish, or swarming animals, and can’t consume dairy and meat together. And, all animals must be slaughtered according to religious protocols.
During Passover, practicing Jews also add chametz to this list. For eight days, Jews refrain from eating anything with grains that have risen or fermented. This includes all pasta, bread, processed foods, beer, and liquor that contain ingredients that have fermented or have a leavening agent. Matzah is the only kosher grain for Passover. However, many people forget that condiments, drinks, and store-bought products usually contain chametz. Or at the very least, use the same equipment to process and package them. Only products that receive approval can be marked and sold as kosher.
Kosher Deals for Passover 2022
Since there are many dietary restrictions, it is best to buy your ingredients before the holiday. But with a severe shortage of chicken meat, you definitely don’t want to put your shopping off until the last minute. Distribution channels and an outbreak of avian flu have drastically reduced the meat supply. And with limited numbers of kosher producers, it is becoming even more difficult and expensive to find kosher products. The longer you wait, the more you’ll have to pay to find what you need.
However, you can still count on Costco to have the best prices for your kosher items. While they have not advertised any specific sales yet, Costco will have weekly deals during Passover. You can check online for their weekly ad, or pick one up from your nearest Costco location. Budget-conscious shoppers can also take advantage of other deals going on for springtime, Easter, and other upcoming events.
For added convenience, order online and get everything you need ahead of time. But if you are having difficulty finding things you traditionally serve, Costco’s Pesach shopping guide could help you find all the ingredients you need for your Passover meals.
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Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.
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