Everything you need to know when going to your first Passover Seder

One of the more interesting traditions at Passover Seders is the tendency for one or more non-Jews to be invited as guests. If you've received your first Passover Seder invitation, here are some things you should know ahead of time.

• Passover is one of the most important holidays on the Jewish calendar.
• The holiday is an eight day commemoration of the liberation of the ancient Jewish people (known as the "Israelites") from the Egyptian Pharaoh.
• The holiday starts with a formal celebration and dinner, known as a "Seder", during which time the story of Passover is shared, food is eaten and wine is imbibed.

• Passover Seders are typically conducted by the head of the household, who reads out of a book called a "Haggadah".
• Most Jewish people in North America have Haggadahs that combine English commentary with Hebrew and English prayers.
• While you probably won't be able to understand the Hebrew (unless of course you've studied the language), there is almost always an English translation and commentary with each part of the Seder.
• Throughout the Seder, there will be specific cues to eat and drink certain things.
• Passover is largely about symbolism, and almost all of the foods at the Seder table have a symbolic significance.
• The parsley in salt water represents the tears of the Israelites, the "bitter herbs" represent the bitterness of slavery, and so on.
• Early in the Seder, there will also be the traditional "Four Questions", traditionally asked by the youngest child, that will probably prove quite informative in explaining much of the symbolism for you, as well.

• One of the biggest differences between the eight days of Passover and the rest of the year is that most Jews restrict the type of food they eat as a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the Israelites escaping Egypt.
• According to the story in the Torah, the Israelites did not have time to allow their bread to rise before leaving, which meant that their bread was flat.
• Similarly, most Jews won't eat any leavened bread during Passover (or at least during the Seder).
• Your best bet is to ask your hosts if there is anything you can bring, and keep in mind that most traditional desserts won't work for a Seder.

The bottom line is that the Passover Seder can be an informative, eye-opening and, most importantly, fun experience. If you've been invited to one, it is definitely something to look forward to.