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By Omar Bihmidine
Morocco World News
Sidi Ifni, Morocco, April 13, 2012
According to the news outlet “Hesspress”, more than 4000 Jews have arrived in Marrakesh since April 8th. The Jewish visitors, many of whom are originally from Morocco, have chosen Marrakech as their ideal venue to observe the yearly holiday of Passover.
This year, the largest number of Jews has come from Paris and other European cities, with others making the trip from Israel. The arrival of the Jewish groups is welcome news for Marrakech’s local economy, especially the hotel industry.
To guarantee the comfort and safety of the Jewish visitors, local police, both uniformed and plain clothes, are stepping up patrols and tightening security near hotels, Jewish religious institutions and tourist sites.
Passover is among the principal religious ceremonies that Jews observe. Lasting seven days, Passover commemorates the story of the exodus by the “Children of Israel” from Pharaonic Egypt.
Among Passover’s noteworthy traditions is the abstinence from any food made from yeast, such as wheat or rye bread. Instead Jews consume yeast-free pies called “Matssaah”.
Towards the evening of Passover, Jews perform a ritual in which they burn leftovers. Another key ritual is the drinking of five glasses of grape wine while reading Jewish religious texts.
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