Observing Passover in Napa Valley: What You Need to Know

It’s almost time to break out the matzo. Passover arrives on March 25 this year, when Jews across the world will come together to retell the Exodus story over four cups of wine (or grape juice for those who can't indulge), and of course, a large, festive feast.

Passover Traditions

As the story goes, during their flight from slavery, the Jews did not have enough time for their dough to rise, resulting in a flaky cracker that is eaten instead of bread for a full week during Passover. The diet changes go beyond bread, however, and depend on family tradition. As a general rule, just look for the “Kosher for Passover” label, which thankfully spreads to more products year after year.

Prior to the holiday, Jews clean their homes and get rid of chametz—food that is forbidden during Passover. Check to see if any of your local food pantries will accept your chametz or if your fire department is holding a safe burning of the chametz. The day before, this year on March 24, kids have the chance to search their homes by candlelight for any pieces of chametz left behind.

The Seder

On the first two nights of Passover, a Seder is held. This is when the story of Passover is told with the reading of the Haggadah. Some families even dress up and act out the story. Songs are sung, including "Dayenu," and as tradition, children sing the Four Questions, or Ma Nishtana. Over the course of the night, four cups of wine are consumed to celebrate freedom. Bitter herbs are also eaten as a reminder of the pain of the Jewish slaves.

The middle of the holiday, from March 28 to 31, is an intermediate period, or Chol HaMoed, when there are fewer restrictions. On these days more observant Jews are allowed to drive and use electronics, and in rare instances, work. The final two days of Passover fall on April 1 and 2, and are considered Holy Days.

Here are some Napa Valley resources:

--Chabad Jewish Center of Napa Valley, will have a community seder at 7:30 p.m. on Monday. The cost is $36 adult/$18 children. RSVP was required by March 18, so call the center at 707-320-3248 to see if space is available at the center at 18 Lodestar Lane, Napa.

--Congregation Beth Sholom in Napa will have the first seder on Monday. For more information, contact the synagogue at (707) 253-7305 or email office@cbsnapa.org, or visit at 1455 Elm St., Napa.

--Jews for Jesus will conduct a Passover seder at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 24, at First Christian Church of Napa. The story of Passover and the seder symbols will be explained.

--Kosher for Passover food is available at:

(add any others in the comments and we'll put on the list)

Whole Spice in the Oxbow Public Market, Napa carries kosher items for Passover.

3 Napa Safeway stores carry a small selection of kosher for Passover foods, including matzohs, gefilte fish and matzoh ball soup.

Whole Foods Market in the Bel Aire Plaza, Napa, has a special kosher section.

Trader Joe's in the Bel Aire Plaza, Napa, has an extensive kosher foods section, with all the ingredients for the symbolic seder plate. In addition the matzohs, gefilte fish and matzoh ball soup, they have kosher chicken and beef, six kosher wines, and other items such as applesauce, spices, dates, figs, walnuts, cottage cheese and parsley.

Some Napa Valley wineries carry special Passover wines used in the seder ceremony. One of those is Hagafen Cellars. Call your favorite winery to see if they carry kosher for Passover wines.

For some educational fun with the kids, check out the Rugrats Passover special here.

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