Passover, the Jewish holiday that celebrates the Israelites’ exodus from slavery, is one of the most important holidays in the Jewish calendar. It’s marked by two special meals, known as Seders, that retell the Israelites’ story and help us relive our ancestors’ experiences.
If you’ve been invited to a Passover seder, it’s customary to bring a gift to thank your hosts. Read on for our ultimate Passover gift guide, complete with gift ideas the modern Jewish family is sure to love.
What is Passover?
Passover is the yearly Jewish holiday that commemorates the Israelites’ exodus from slavery in Egypt. After rules of prospering in ancient Egypt, the Israelites were enslaved by the new Pharaoh, who was threatened by their success.
In order to help them gain their freedom, God sent 10 plagues upon the people of Egypt. The final plague was the death of the Egyptians’ first born. God told the Israelites to mark their doorposts with lamb’s blood, so that the plague would “pass over” their homes. After this plague, Pharoah let the Israelites go. The yearly celebration of Passover commemorates this story.
How is Passover Celebrated?
Passover is an 8-day long holiday. On the first two nights, we hold a special meal known as a seder. During the seder, we retell the story of the Israelites’ exodus and eat symbolic foods that remind us of the plight of our ancestors. These include:
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Maror: Bitter herbs that symbolize the bitterness of slavery in Egypt.
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Karpas: A green vegetable that represents the joy of springtime, dipped in salt water that represents the tears of the Israelites in slavery.
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Charoset: A combination of apples, dried fruit, nuts, and wine to represent the mortar the Israelites used to build buildings in slavery.
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Shank bone: Represents the ritual sacrifice the Israelites people used to make in the temple.
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Matzah: Unleavened bread. When the Jews escaped Egypt, they left so quickly they didn’t have time to let their bread rise. Matzah reminds us of this.
Understanding the Rules of Passover
Throughout the entire 8 days of Passover, Jewish people follow strict rules regarding what can and cannot be eaten. The main food group that we avoid is known as chametz, or leavened food. This includes any foods made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt and allowed to rise. In addition to chametz, Jewish people also may avoid:
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Leavening agents: Baking soda or baking powder
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Kitniyot: Rice, corn, soy, beans, lentils, or peanuts or any foods derived from these items, like corn syrup. Kitniyot are specifically avoided by Ashkenazi Jews.
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Alcohol made from grain: Beer, whiskey, scotch, bourbon, and rye are often avoided.
Kosher for Passover
All Kosher foods are labeled as such, but during Passover, foods get a special marking as Kosher for Passover, designated as a “P”. That means that, in addition to being generally Kosher, they’re also certified to follow the specific dietary restrictions of Passover. These foods are guaranteed to have no contact with any forbidden ingredients.
Best Passover Gift Ideas
With a basic understanding of Passover under your belt, it’s time to move onto Passover gift ideas. Whether you’re looking for a gift for a Passover seder, or simply want to send a gift during the 8 days of Passover, use this list for inspiration.
Kiddush Cup
A Kiddush cup is a universally appreciated Passover gift that can be used during every Jewish holiday. To sanctify each holiday, we recite the Kiddush and drink wine from the Kiddush cup. During the Passover seder, the Kiddush cup plays a number of roles:
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The four cups: Throughout the Passover seder, we drink 4 cups of wine as we retell the story of the Exodus.
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Elijah’s cup: Elijah, the prophet, is always left a glass of wine at the table during Passover. We use a decorative Kiddush cup as a symbol of hope.
Kiddush cups can come in any materials, designs, and size. While silver Kiddush cups with Jewish symbols are traditional, a modern Kiddush cup is a great option for a stylish host.
Matzah and Afikomen Bag
Matzah is a central facet of the Passover table. It’s traditional to cover the matzah on the Passover table using a matzah cover or a matzah bag. These cloth cases keep your matzah neatly in place and make for excellent gifts for the Passover seder.
Many come with an additional Afikomen bag, too. This more modern Passover tradition is for the kids. The Afikomen, a small piece of matzah, is hidden during the seder. Once the meal is finished, the kids set off to hunt for the Afikomen. Whoever finds it is the winner!
Candleholders
As all Jewish holidays do, the Passover holiday begins with lighting the candles. Like Kiddush cups, candle holders can come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Choose from traditional candlestick holders or petite tealight holders. Not only do both help celebrate the holiday, but they’re gorgeous additions to the Passover table.
Hosting Set
To truly go above and beyond, get your Passover hosts a gift set, like Oneg Home’s Hosting Set. These all-in-one gifts for Passover seder contain everything your hosts need for a meaningful holiday, including candles, matchboxes, and a beautiful match dish. They’ll use it again and again each Passover and at every Shabbat throughout the year.
Kosher for Passover Wine
Wine is always an appreciated gift, but during Passover it’s important to look for wine that’s specifically marked as Kosher for Passover. A rabbi certifies that these wines haven’t come into contact with ingredients that Passover forbids, like grains, legumes, or wheat. A bottle of Kosher for Passover wine shows your hosts that you’ve thought ahead and put the effort into learning about their holiday traditions. What could make a better Passover gift?
Chocolate-Covered Matzah
This last gift idea for Passover is simple. Chocolate-covered matzah is a Passover staple enjoyed by kids and adults alike. You can find tons of options at your local Kosher bakery or supermarket. Some have toffee, others have nuts or sprinkles, and they’re all delicious. Just be sure your matzah of choice is designated Kosher for Passover before giving it as a Passover gift!
Find Gifts for Every Jewish Holiday at Oneg Home
Whether looking for a Passover gift idea or one for Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah, or Shabbat, you’ll find a meaningful and modern gift at Oneg Home. We offer a selection of contemporary Jewish ritual objects that make celebrating Jewish holidays more accessible and special. Find religious gifts that double as exceptional home decor when you shop Oneg Home.
