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For Jews, who begin observance of Passover at sundown Wednesday, the exodus from Egypt symbolizes redemption. More than just a history lesson, redemption is real, liberation is ongoing and the possibility of salvation is ever-present, says Rabbi Amy R. Scheinerman, who maintains a virtual synagogue on the World Wide Web.

* Tradition has it that the newly liberated Jews left Egypt at midnight in such a hurry that they didn’t have time to let their bread dough rise. They baked it immediately and it came out flat--the first matzo. During Passover, Jews abstain from chametz, or any leavened food, and eat matzo. Chametz includes wheat, barley, oats, spelt and rye.

The high point of the Passover celebration is the seder, a ceremonial dinner where the question “What makes this night different from all other nights?” is asked. Wine, a symbol for joy, is also an important part of the ceremony. Tradition calls for drinking four cups, representing (some say) freedom--physical, intellectual, spiritual and unrealized. To remember the bitterness of slavery in Egypt, bitter herbs are eaten.

* Zell Schulman’s “Let My People Eat!” is a complete guide to the Passover seder for Jews and Gentiles alike. The book offers six complete seder menus to choose from: Ashkenazic, Sephardic, healthful, vegetarian, ecumenical and “off the shelf.” Published by Macmillan, “Let My People Eat” sells for $27.50.

* Sue Epstein will perform a Passover mini-concert for families with 3- to 8-year-olds at 11:30 a.m. Sunday at Pages bookstore, 18399 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana. Epstein will lead a sing-along of traditional Jewish songs and original tunes. A $2 concert admission fee can be applied to the purchase of Epstein’s recording, “Nu !?!? From Sue” or Passover books. (818) 34-BOOKS.

* “History of Matzah: The Story of the Jews,” an exhibit of contemporary history paintings by New York artist Larry Rivers, continues at the Skirball Cultural Center, 22701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., through May 30. (310) 440-4500.