Michegoss – Passover

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The Great Seal

On July 4th, 1776, right after signing the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were appointed to come up with a seal for the United States of America. Franklin harkened back to a much earlier story of when people confronted a tyrant to gain their freedom and offered the description of Moses crossing the Red Sea. Jefferson then edited Franklin’s description and submitted this version to Congress: “Pharaoh sitting in an open Chariot, a Crown on his head and a Sword in his hand, passing through the divided Waters of the Red Sea in Pursuit of the Israelites: Rays from a Pillar of Fire in the Cloud, expressive of the divine Presence and Command, beaming on Moses who stands on the shore and extending his hand over the Sea causes it to overwhelm Pharaoh. Motto: Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God.”

It took six more years and two other committees to get a seal approved by the Continental Congress. Although the original concept never made its way to the final seal, Jefferson did adopt the motto and used it on his personal seal.

The Yellow Cap

In 1910, the orthodox Rabbi Tubia Geffen moved to Atlanta. During his time, the Rabbi stood by Leo Frank and lobbied for passing immigration reforms. He fought for orthodox women rights and established Atlanta’s first Hebrew schools. But what Rabbi Geffen is most famous for is helping create Kosher for Passover Coca-Cola. In 1935, the Rabbi explained “Because it has become an insurmountable problem to induce the great majority of Jews to refrain from partaking of this drink, I have tried earnestly to find a method of permitting its usage. With the help of God, I have been able to uncover a pragmatic solution.” With some good connections and creativity, The Rabbi was able to modify the recipe. Today, during Passover, Coca-Cola replaces their high-fructose corn syrup for real sugar and gives them a yellow cap.

World’s Largest MATZO BALL

Over 1,700 eggs, 36 pounds of schmaltz, 30 pounds of canola oil, and 160 pounds of matzo meal makes a 488 pound Matza Ball. Chef Jon Writis made the ball for charity at the Tuscon Jewish Food Festival in 2010.

No Chametz for Pets!

According to Kashrut.com, even pets are forbidden from eating any chametz. There are a number of pet food companies that have grain free offerings for both cats and dogs. Just check the ingredients or make sure they are certified kosher for Passover.