I was raised in a Christian household and grew up celebrating all of the Christian holidays. I knew of Passover and had heard a little about it but never really knew any details. Then I met Maks who was raised in a predominately Jewish household. He spent Easter with my family and this week he and I have been celebrating Passover with his. It has been really nice to learn more about the traditions and customs surrounding the holiday. I think the most interesting part was last Sunday at the Seder ceremony. Traditionally it takes place at the dining room table and it's very elaborate. The Seder plate is always set in front of the head of household who generally conducts the Seder ceremony. Items typically found on the seder plate are things like: three whole Matzohs or unleavened "bread" (either on the plate or next to it), maror or bitter herbs, usually horseradish or romaine lettuce, charoses or special mixture of apples, nuts, wine and cinnamon symbolizing mortar, karpas or a vegetable, preferably parsley or celery, zeroah or a piece of roasted or boiled meat or poultry, preferably a shankbone, recalling the Paschal sacrifice of the original Exodus. Before the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple the Paschal sacrifice was the central feature of the Seder.  Baytzah or a roasted or boiled egg, commemorating the festival sacrifice that was brought at the Jerusalem Temple. An egg is used because it is a traditional food for mourners, reminding us of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.  I was just a bit tipsy by the end of the ceremony because at different times during it 4 3oz  glasses of wine have to be consumed. I know that's not really a lot but I almost never drink.

Passover celebrations end tomorrow then Maks and I are flying out to LA for the Dancing with the Stars 100th episode special. Among many others he and Mel B from the Spice Girls who was his partner last season will be dancing together once again. Also Apolo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough who won the 4th season will be back together to do a routine. 30 of the stars from all seasons will be back as well as many of the current and past pros from the show. I'm really looking forward to flaunting my diamond and making it VERY clear to Carrie Anne that Maks is off the market.