Passover in Colombia

Went to a Passover seder on the first night of Passover that was truly a multicultural, multidimensional experience.  An absolute delight. Diana was the hostess, a young woman form the U.S., here with her Colombian boyfriend,  soon to be husband, who is converting to Judaism.  His parents were there, as were two distant cousins, Andres and Ingrid who also got to Judaism, but by a separate path. The two – brother and sister are young – Andres is probably in his early 20s and Ingrid is just 13.  They have a Jewish father, but Andres said it was his acquaintance with his grandfather’s history that led him to convert.  And Ingrid is influenced by her brother, and waiting to become old enough to do so, although she already wears a Jewish Star.

Anyway, the mix of people, ages and history made for a wonderful Passover seder.

The table was set for eight with Haggadahs in English and Spanish.  We went around the table and took turns reading in English, Spanish and Hebrew.  We even did a bit of Passover singing, including a rendition of Dayenu (it would have been sufficient) and Mah Nishtanah or the four questions.  We didn’t sing Chad Gadya – and I didn’t know it was a folk song until I looked something up on the Internet now, but it makes sense, given some of the after-seder conversation sitting around the table.

And in keeping with our digital age, Diana's parents checked via Skype from their home on the East Coast of the United States to see how their daughter's seder was going.  They were already long done by the time we were starting out -- in keeping with when things are done in Colombia -- late!

There is where some culture and history got mixed in. I learned there may be a link between Colombian arepas and Passover matzoh – which are both in some ways an unleavened flour mixture.We also talked about whether the Colombian poncho had its origins in the Jewish prayer shawl.  In other words, there is a general belief that many Sephardic Jews may have immigrated to the Antioqueña region of Colombia with the Spanish centuries ago, but kept their heritage hidden. Something that might be interesting to investigate further some time. Despite the possible links, Colombia's Jewish community is very small. Only about 3,000 strong. Conservative, Sephardic and Orthodox communities. No reform Judaism (in community) in Colombia.

Diana prepared a feast – matzoh ball soup, roast chicken with apricots, carrots, asparagus, mashed potatoes and macaroons for dessert.  Days later, I am still sated, thinking about what we ate. 

To those of you who mark the occasion,  Chag Sameach or joyous festival.