“Celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because it was on this very day that I brought your divisions out of Egypt. Celebrate this day as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come.” (Exodus 12:17)

Also known as the Festival of Freedom and Pesach, Passover began Wednesday and ends April 20.

Viola Stamm, a junior early childhood major, recounted her meaning of the celebration.

“[Seder is] where you remember how [Jews] were in the desert and were not able to make real bread and the hardships that happened,” Stamm said.

The annual Jewish celebration, which begins on day 15 of the Jewish month Nissan, requires all Jews to observe special rules such as the removal of chametz.

Chametz, according to jewfaq.org, is anything made from “the five major grains that has not been completely cooked within 18 minutes after coming into contact with water.”

Dave Tirkel, a senior business administration major, explained the difficulties of obeying the law.

“Basically anything with grains and beer are banned,” Tirkel said.

Several students from the Hillel Jewish Student Organization expressed frustration over the lack of available foods suitable for the celebration in NIU cafeterias.

“We’re screwed for food for eight days,” said Cary Wolovick, a junior history major.

However, after a meeting with NIU dining, a quick agreement was made that would provide several small kosher and unleavened dishes.

“NIU dining will be serving matzo for Pesach for three days and only at Neptune,” Wolovick announced at a Hillel meeting.

Promises for an improved menu next year has provided some satisfaction.

“But next year they want us to help build a menu,” Wolovick said. “The reason they claim they can’t do more this year is because they order food six weeks out.”