The Jewish holiday of Passover is celebrated during the full moon of the first month of spring.

Although it is difficult to tell it is spring this year, the Hirsch family did have its traditional meal.

The special dinner, called a Seder, on the first two nights of Passover are observed to celebrate the Exodus and the release of the Jewish people from Egyptian bondage.

This year, on the second night, this reporter and husband, Sy, went to New York City, where we had dinner with my brother and his family.

There were 26 at the Seder, both friends and family.

The long tables were set in the hallway with the good dishes, stemware, cloth napkins and fresh flowers.

Before the meal, my brother led the Seder service.

The story of Passover is told and read using the prayer book called the Haggadah, which also expresses the hope that one day all people around the Earth will be freed from their bondage.

We had wine, and dipped celery into salt water, and my brother hid a piece of matzah called the afikoman.

The children were excited about looking for and finding the afikomen hidden in the apartment.

Whoever finds the afikomen receives a prize.

Finally, dinner was served.

A delicious meal with chicken soup and matzah balls, gefilte fish with horseradish, Mediterranean chicken, lamb stew, matzah kugel, chopped liver salad and cauliflower was served. And then, there was a table full of desserts.

The Prophet Elijah, the neighbors’ son, dressed in costume, arrived at the end of the service.

Elijah entered for the cup of wine awaiting him at the table and then handed out candy frogs to the children.