Of all Jewish holidays, Passover is the one most commonly observed by otherwise non-observant Jews. The seder, or dinner service during Passover is composed of a four course meal, lots of wine, comfortable chairs, and did I mention all those cups of wine?

Those that observe Passover remove chametz (meaning: leavened foods) from the home. This commemorates the fact that the Jews freed in Egypt were in a hurry, and did not have time to let their bread rise. It also reminds us that we were all once slaves, and we should remember that and remember that no one is free until we all are.

Chametz includes anything made from the five major grains (wheat, rye, barley, oats and spelt). Some also avoid rice, corn, peanuts, and beans. Typical kosher for Passover foods include matzoh balls, sugar jellies in the shape of an orange slice, chocolate macaroons, gefilte fish, stewed prunes, etc. Tell me, is your mouth watering yet?

There is kosher for Passover cereal, cookies, cakes, and snacks of all kinds. I’m not a fan of most of the store-bought desserts but do enjoy homemade flourless chocolate cake and matzoh crack. Another favorite meal is matzoh brie (basically matzoh French toast).

Some of the more amusing products that I saw offered for sale this time of year include:

Passover toothpaste and toothbrushes

Kosher for Passover dog food

An over-abundance of lamb shanks at the grocery store

Kosher for Passover bagels

Most Jewish-owned bagel shops close during Passover. Check out this sign at the bagel shop in Houston:

Chag sameach, everyone!