The Mortar of My People

The night before the first night of Passover, and I’m knee deep in preparation.  My home is completely clean and free of chametz (bread products). Now, no more breaded fried food, no more pasta, no more bread, no more anything with corn starch.  There is a ceremonial inspection for any last pieces of bread. We use a feather to scoop up any found pieces and a paper bag to put them into.  We burn the chametz and say a blessing.  Then, our home is kosher for Passover.  Kosher means “pure.” It must stay this way for the next nine days and nights.  Yes, all this stuff matters to me.  Living in a good and pure way keeps you strong.  I have eggs hard boiling on the stove.  And I am cutting up apples to create a wonderful treat for my holiday table – charoses. Pronounced har-roses, charoses symbolizes the mortar that Jews created to hold together the bricks of the pyramids of their task masters – the ancient Egyptians.  I know it seems now that Jews have lots of money.  This was not always the case.  “Once we were slaves in Egypt.”  Until Moses came to Pharoah and said…”Let My People GO!.  Well, that’s how the story goes.  Anyway, I thought my two favorite gals might enjoy watching Chef LaLa making this sweet dish.  It has apples, honey, walnuts, cinnamon, sugar and a bit of wine.  It is so good on the matzah (unleavened bread) that we are allowed to eat.  Enjoy!