Almost everyone in America has some semblance of an idea about what Easter is, whether or not they believe in Christianity. In regards to Passover, however, the majority of people only know that it's in the spring around the same time as Easter, if they know anything at all. There aren't many movies or pop culture references that prepare people for what Passover actually is, except for the Rugrats Passover episode, that is. However, never fear, I'm here to tell you five reasons to love Passover even if you're not Jewish.
1. It's all about freedom.
On Passover, we celebrate the Jewish people's liberation from slavery in Egypt and their freedom as a new nation under the leadership of Moses. In other words, Passover is essentially the Jewish people's Independence Day. It is a time for Jewish families to remember our history and rejoice in the freedom that we gained and continue to have today.
2. You are encouraged to drink four glasses of wine.
Yes, you did read that right. On Passover, you are encouraged to get drunk or, at least, a little tipsy. Each glass of wine corresponds to the four "expressions of redemption." However, for anyone who doesn't believe in Judaism, it's an entirely acceptable excuse to shamelessly drink four glasses of wine.
3. Matzo Fights
After dinner, children are supposed to look around the house for a hidden piece of divided matzo, unleavened bread, as a part of aphikoman, the after meal entertainment. While it is supposed to be an innocent scavenger hunt where the child who finds the matzo first wins a small prize, things get a little intense in my house. There was usually hair pulling, pushing, crying, and someone was always five dollars richer. However, maybe that's just my family.
4. Family Time
While it's based on the point above, family time might not seem like the best time. Rest assured, it truly is. My family can be a little overwhelming and it's certainly never boring, but I wouldn't trade them for anything. Celebrating any holiday with the people who you care about makes it that much more meaningful and Passover is no exception.
5. Food
Food is one of my favorite parts of most holidays and Passover is no exception. While every family has thier own recipes and traditions, depending on where in the world they're from, Jewish food is delicious. Some of my favorite things to eat on Passover are matzo ball soup, haroset, and potato kugel.
6. History
During the meal, parts of the history of Passover are read aloud by whoever is leading the Seder. It is not only interesting to see what the Hebrews persevered through, but it is also important to remember the history itself. This is true of any culture and any historical timeperiod. If we don't remember the history, no one will know where they came from and, worse, people in the future could make the same mistakes that we have already learned from.