
The strange day, Wednesday April 8, 2009: Many groups of people joined together for the once every 28 year Blessing of the Sun. The weather in New york cooperated, and sun was seen rising over some clouds which were on the horizon, into a mostly clear sky. Very lovely. There were many morning services, blessings and study sessions held. Lots of singing and dancing too throughout the city. Friends agreed that this was worth getting out at 6:30 am for. Here is the April 8, 2009, sunrise over Mount Sinai…Mt Sinai Hospital in NYC, that is.
Then came the snow. Yes, the SNOW, an unpredicted snow squall which whited out the city if you were on a high floor. Just as suddenly, the weather cleared up and it was quite nice again in plenty of time for guests to arrive at the Passover Seders.
Passover is a full moon holiday- that is- there is always a full moon at the first Seder. Here is a photo of the Passover Full Moon in New York City that evening:
As I write this on April 10, the work and pleasure of the Seders is over. Leftovers are lurking in the fridge. We read this morning, that for the very first time, there was a Passover Seder held at the White House! Nice surprise. And now people have moved on to seriously discussing Matzah Brei. Here is a recipe for Banana Matzah Brei from ProfeJeff:
ProfeJeff’s Recipe for Banana Matza Brei:
1) Take about 4-5 sheets of matza and break them along the natural fault lines.
Each piece should be about three or four fault lines wide and be about 1/3 to 1/2 the length of a matza.
2) Break them into a large bowl filled about 1/3 of the way with lukewarm water.
3) Soak them for at least a minute. Be sure they’re completely soaked and soft. Then holding the matza with one hand, pour the water out. Press the matza gently to squeeze out the excess water.
4) Into the matza pour 4-6 eggs that you have already completely mixed so that the yolks and whites are thoroughly mixed. (For a lower cholesterol version, use 4 eggs and 2/3 cup of liquid egg whites; this serves 4). With a fork, pick up the slices of matza so that both sides of every piece are infused with the eggs!
5) To this mixture add two thoroughly mashed bananas. Stir the mixture together. Pour this mixture into a hot, well-oiled pan. Let it sit and fry for less than a minute. Then Flip. Cook 2 minutes. If using a smaller diameter pan, flip once more, let sit, and flip yet one more time. Serve with cinnamon. If you want it even sweeter, add maple syrup to your portion. Best by test!
Editors note: This is delicious and ProfeJeff can speak about 9 languages in addition making Matzah Brei!
And before you need to ask, here is the answer: Passover is 8 days when observed outside of Israel and 7 days within Israel. It is the custom not to eat bread etc, for the legnth of the holiday. IN NYC, Pizza , Asian food, bread etc again after dark on April 16, 2009.
Enjoy.
