Israel’s Jews Ready Homes to Mark Passover

Many Israeli Jews searched their homes Sunday to rid themselves of forbidden foods such as beer and bread crumbs before the start of the weeklong Passover holiday.

Merchants tried to sell their remaining loaves before Passover begins at sundown today, when Jews observe strict dietary laws forbidding consumption of leavened bread during the period.

In Israel, where civil and religious law often is connected, fines can be imposed against anyone who sells leavened bread or a host of other products, including beer and most alcohol, made with yeast and most grains.

Passover commemorates the exodus of Moses and the Jews from their slavery in Egypt.

According to the Old Testament, the Jews during the flight from Egypt baked bread but did not have time for it to rise, so they ate flat, unleavened loaves called matzo.

Jews who observe religious dietary laws, or “keep kosher,” eat matzo rather than leavened bread during Passover. They also take pains to make their homes completely free of all traces of leavened food, hametz in Hebrew.

Separate Sets of Dishes

Many Jews keep separate sets of dishes just for the week of Passover to ensure there are no crumbs from leavened bread on them.