Preparing chrain for Pesach
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.