The Jewish community in Moldova and the Jews from everywhere will celebrate Pesach (Passover) as from April 20. The holiday lasts for eight days and marks the liberation of the Israelites from slavery over 3,000 years ago, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to Teodor Magder, consultant of the Association of Jewish Organizations and Communities and of the Jewish Congress from Moldova, Pesach is the most important holiday of the Jews. After wandering for 40 years through the desert, led by prophet Moses, the Hebrew slaves left Egypt to return to the Land of Israel. Teodor Magder says that those that had been slaves, had a mentality and psychology of slave even after the slavery was over. Time was needed to form a new, young generation loving the freedom and devoted to the ancestors’ and historical places. The religious rules are strictly observed during the first and last two days of the Pesach, called Seder. These are the most important days of the eight holiday days. Many Jews observe the positive Torah commandment of eating matzo on the first night of Passover at the Passover Seder, as well as the Torah prohibition against eating chametz - certain leavening and fermenting agents, and things made with them, such as yeast breads, certain types of cake and biscuit, and certain alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages - but wine is an essential component of Passover, notwithstanding it is a fermented, yeast-bearing beverage. Teodor Magder says that the unleavened bread is the most important element, but it cannot be found in Moldova. It is brought from Ukraine, after going through a series of complicated procedures. The unleavened bread is subject to strict rules during production that cannot be applied in Moldova. Also, one can eat beef or poultry, but not pork. Teodor Magder stated that all these traditions are observed only at the beginning. Afterward, the people prepare an ordinary feast. It is much harder to observe all the customs and religious aspects in modern times, the quoted source said. The consultant of the Jewish Association says that fewer and fewer people now observe all the rules and customs related to Passover. Some people do not observe them because they are not used to, while others because they cannot. However, Magder considers that the religion played a very important role in the history of the Jewish people. The Jews could survive and keep their values only by religion. Accoridng to Teodor Magder, special religious texts are read on the first two nights of Passover, when it is recounted the story of the Exodus from Egypt. They represent a collection of passages from Torah and from rabbis’ writings describing the Exodus. This year, after the religious ceremony at Synagogue, the Jewish community will benefit from a feast at Leo Grand Hotel. The hotel will host about 500 people. Jews from the country’s regions, including from the left bank of the Nistru, will be also invited to the event. A group of Jews from Rabnita town will give a recital. The Association of Jewish Organizations and Communities and of the Jewish Congress will prepare special packages with food for the Easter holidays for needy families.