What do Jews at the feast of unleavened bread?

The Feast of Unleavened Bread, also known as Passover, is a significant holiday in Judaism, commemorating the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt. During Passover, Jews abstain from eating leavened bread (chametz) for eight days. Instead, they consume unleavened bread (matzah) which symbolizes the haste with which the Israelites fled Egypt, leaving them no time to let their bread rise.

Here's a breakdown of what Jews eat during Passover:

Main Foods:

* Matzah: Unleavened bread made from flour and water, available in various shapes and sizes.

* Maror: Bitter herbs like horseradish or romaine lettuce, symbolizing the bitterness of slavery.

* Charoset: A sweet paste made from apples, nuts, cinnamon, and wine, representing the mortar used by the Israelites in Egypt.

* Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs symbolize the festival sacrifice offered in the Temple.

* Gefilte Fish: A traditional dish made from ground fish mixed with matzah meal and served in a broth or jelly.

* Matzah Ball Soup: A hearty soup with matzah balls, a type of dumpling made from matzah meal.

* Roasted Lamb or Chicken: Often served as the main course, representing the Paschal Lamb.

* Tzimmes: A sweet and savory dish made with carrots, sweet potatoes, and dried fruit.

Other Passover Foods:

* Matzah Brei: A breakfast dish made from matzah soaked in milk and eggs, then fried.

* Matzah Pizza: A unique twist on pizza, using matzah instead of dough.

* Matzah Crackers: Used as a snack or topping for salads.

* Matzah Meal: A finely ground flour used in baking and cooking.

Foods Avoided During Passover:

* Leavened bread: Any food containing yeast or other leavening agents, including bread, cakes, pastries, and pasta.

* Grains containing gluten: Unless specifically certified as Passover-kosher, grains such as wheat, rye, barley, and oats are considered chametz and avoided.

* Alcohol: Some Jews avoid all alcohol during Passover, while others only avoid those made from grain.

Passover meals often feature traditional rituals and prayers, including the Seder plate with its symbolic foods, the reading of the Haggadah (Passover story), and the singing of songs.

It's important to remember that dietary customs and traditions can vary within Jewish communities, and this is just a general overview of what Jews commonly eat during Passover.