Passover Musings
Apr. 6th, 2004 01:31 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
av8rmikeNot even 24 hours into Passover, and already I've broken the commandments: I had some yogurt at lunch that was made with corn syrup. Usually I can go the whole week without chametz, and at least a few days without corn-, peanut-, or other forbidden products (kitniyot). This year I've done such a poor job planning my meals in advance that the yogurt was practically the only thing available to bring for lunch.
Seriously, I've never really understood the prohibition on kitniyot for Ashkenazic Jews. Not only are we forbidden from eating products made from grains (wheat, barley, rye, oats, etc.) but also "grain-like" products like corn, soybeans, legumes, nuts, and other beans. That means a substantial part of my diet is off-limits, and I've never heard a good explanation of why other than "it's traditional/customary for Ashkenazim."
I probably shouldn't fret it. There are many more less observant Jews than I, and even if I'm perfect for the rest of Passover, a few days doesn't make up for years of neglecting all the other commandments.
*ahem* Phil, you go out for pork barbecue last night? =)
Seriously, I've never really understood the prohibition on kitniyot for Ashkenazic Jews. Not only are we forbidden from eating products made from grains (wheat, barley, rye, oats, etc.) but also "grain-like" products like corn, soybeans, legumes, nuts, and other beans. That means a substantial part of my diet is off-limits, and I've never heard a good explanation of why other than "it's traditional/customary for Ashkenazim."
I probably shouldn't fret it. There are many more less observant Jews than I, and even if I'm perfect for the rest of Passover, a few days doesn't make up for years of neglecting all the other commandments.
*ahem* Phil, you go out for pork barbecue last night? =)
