In a few days we will celebrate the holiday of Pesach, Passover, especially the seder held on the eve of the first day. Apart from the obligatory seder dish of 6 items and the eating of matzo there are many other ethnic based foods. For Jews with origins in Russia, Poland and other Eastern European countries chrain,  made mainly with grated horseradish and beet,  is a must.  It can be overpoweringly strong with "fumes" which clear the nose and water the eyes, or, mainly by adding more beet, a mild condiment to be eaten with gefilte fish.  Many buy the ready made chrain in shops. Dustim Hoffman was the Rainman  but in our family I am the chrain man who prepares both mild and strong versions. Grating or blending the horseradish is overpowering even with a mask and goggles. Either the chrain is stronger or I am weaker but this year I had to take a breather outside in the fresh air while preparing.

While we celebrate the Festival of Freedom we hope that the hostages in Gaza will soon be freed and that peace will come to all of us.