April 5, 2023

Title: A TASTE OF PASSOVER

Constructor: Rebecca Goldstein

Editor: Erik Agard

Theme Answers:

SALT WATER (16A: Liquid that represents tears at the seder)

BITTER HERBS (38A: Maror)

SWEET WINE (62A: Ingredient in some charoset)

Theme synopsis: The theme answers are things you might TASTE during a PASSOVER Seder. 

Things I learned:

• BIBLE (32D: Subject of peshat and derash) In Judaism, peshat and derash are methods of reading, examining, and interpreting the BIBLE. Wikipedia tells me they are "classic methods of Jewish biblical exegesis." I do in fact know what exegesis is, but I imagine it's not a word everyone is familiar with. Exegesis refers to interpretation and explanation of a text, and is a term often used in reference to interpretation of the BIBLE. Peshat is a method of exegesis that examines the BIBLE at face value, discerning what message the original author intended to convey to the original audience. Derash is a method of textual interpretation that seeks to fill-in-the-blanks in a sense, and uncover meanings that are not explicitly stated. I am familiar with the Jewish practices of peshat and derash, but this vocabulary is new to me, and I'm happy to learn it. Derash is related to midrash - a term I was previously familiar with - and in some cases the terms seem to be used interchangeably. If you'd like to learn more about peshat and derash, I found this article to be helpful. One way the article differentiates between these two methods of interpreting the BIBLE is: "Peshat - what's in the lines; Derash - what's hinted at between the lines."
• LADINO (46D: Language also known as Judeo-Spanish) LADINO, also known as Judeo-Spanish, is a language derived from Old Spanish, which is a dialect of colloquial Latin. LADINO is spoken by some members of the Jewish diaspora.

Random thoughts and interesting things:

• SALT WATER (16A: Liquid that represents tears at the seder) At the beginning of Passover, Jews share a meal together. This is known as the Passover Seder. The word "seder" means "order," which is appropriate, as the meal is eaten in a certain order. The order is outlined in a book called the Haggadah. Throughout the meal - that includes songs, prayers, readings, and questions - the foods on the seder plate are explained and the EXODUS (see below) is remembered. At one point during the seder, a vegetable (often parsley) is dipped in SALT WATER and then eaten. The vegetable represents the hopefulness of spring, and the SALT WATER represents tears, specifically the tears of the Jewish people when they were enslaved in Egypt.
• BITTER HERBS (38A: Maror) Maror, or BITTER HERBS, are one of the components of the seder plate. These BITTER HERBS symbolize the bitterness of being enslaved. Horseradish is often used as maror.
• TIM (55A: ___ Hortons, Canadian coffee chain) If you are Canadian, or if you've ever visited Canada, you are likely familiar with TIM Hortons. The coffee chain - also known for its doughnuts - was founded by TIM Horton (1930-1974), who was a professional hockey player in the NHL. 
• EXODUS (58A: Biblical event commemorated during Passover) EXODUS, as recounted in the first four books of the Torah (Genesis, EXODUS, Leviticus, and Deutoronomy), is the story of Moses leading the Jewish people out of Egypt following years of enslavement. Passover is a remembrance of the EXODUS, which is a central story in Judaism.
• SWEET WINE (62A: Ingredient in some charoset) Charoset is one of the components of a seder plate. It is a mixture that symbolizes the mortar used for building by those enslaved in Egypt. Charoset often consists of apples, nuts, and spices mixed together with SWEET WINE. 
• PLAGUE (1D: Blood, frogs or lice, in the Passover story) This puzzle is packed with bonus theme answers, of which this is one. In the story of the EXODUS, remembered during Passover, Moses led the Jewish people out of Egypt where they had been enslaved for many years. In order to convince Pharaoh to let the Jewish people go, God sends a number of PLAGUEs. 
• OSCAR (8D: Muppet who loves trash) At one time, I knew all the words to "I Love Trash," the theme song of OSCAR the Grouch. 
• LOOSEN (21D: Turn away from righty-tighty) "Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey" is one of the memory helps I use more often. Almost every time I attempt to LOOSEN a lid or a screw, I repeat it to myself. 
• ATE (34D: Had some kugel) Kugel is a baked casserole made of egg noodles or potato. It is often served on Jewish holidays. 
• MATZAH (42D: Unleavened bread) Another bonus answer! MATZAH, or unleavened bread, is an integral element of the celebration of Passover. During the celebration of the Seder, three matzot (plural of MATZAH) are wrapped up together and placed next to the seder plate. Two of the MATZAH represent the double portion of manna provided to the Jews on holidays during the time in the wilderness. During the seder, one MATZAH is broken as a reminder of the brokenness that slavery represents. Before eating MATZAH at the seder, a special blessing is said. 

Geography review:

• ZAIRE (60A: Former name for the Democratic Republic of the Congo) The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a country in Central Africa. The capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is Kinshasa, and the country is also known as Congo-Kinshasa, to differentiate it from the neighboring country, the Republic of the Congo (also known as Congo-Brazzaville). From 1971 to 1997, the Democratic Republic of the Congo was known as ZAIRE. 

The Jewish festival of PASSOVER begins at sundown today, so it is timely to have A TASTE OF PASSOVER as the puzzle theme today. Rebecca Goldstein is a pro at puzzles with themes related to Judaism (see her December 19, 2022 puzzle), and I am a fan. Judaism is not my tradition, but I welcome an opportunity to celebrate it, as well as refresh and expand my knowledge about it. I try to be extra careful when writing about traditions that are not my own, but if I have made errors, please (kindly) let me know. Thank you, Rebecca, for this puzzle that was a fantastic way to begin my Wednesday. Chag Sameach (Happy Festival) to those who celebrate.