Temple Shalom Emeth welcomed their Muslim neighbors to take part in a Passover tradition of making charoset together. Charoset is a sweet paste. The name “charoset” comes from the Hebrew word “cheres” or clay and the paste made represents the mortar and brick used by the Hebrew slaves to build the structures of Egypt.
In some Jewish traditions it is made with chopped apples, nuts (like walnuts or almonds), cinnamon, honey, and sweet wine. In others it is made with dried fruit, nuts and spices.There are different recipes and ingredients based on different Jewish communities. The activity was for each person to create their own unique charoset, using apples, dried apricots, dates, honey, cinnamon and grape juice.
Rabbi Susan Abramson said it was particularly important to welcome their Muslim neighbors this year.
“We are commanded to welcome others during the Passover holiday. In this age when there is so much hatred, fear, suspicion and misunderstanding between people of different faith communities, it is important that we reach out to each other, welcome others into our midst and simply enjoy each other’s company as human beings, friends and neighbors. We can’t control what is happening in the world, but we can control our own actions and bring peace to our community.”
Passover is the annual Jewish holiday which celebrates the liberation of the Israelite people from Egyptian bondage. This year Passover begins on Saturday evening, April 12 and lasts for seven or eight days, depending on your tradition.
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