Israel’s Knesset honored, Wednesday, the Moroccan Jewish community in its first ever official observance of Mimouna, wrote the Jewish News Syndicate.
Mimouna is a holiday that marks Passover’s end. Though its commemoration originated with Moroccan Jews, it is so joyful and festive that it has been adopted across Israel.
Photographs illustrate the extent to which Parliament members enjoyed the event. After all, what was not to like: Moroccan music, highlighted by Israeli-Moroccan-style rock band Satayim; opportunities to wear the caftan and tarboosh; and near-infinite quantities of Moroccan sweets such as marzipan, stuffed dates, dried fruits, meringues, almond cookies, and macaroons. Of course, the ubiquitous muffuletta dominated the scene from a culinary perspective.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana—born in Beersheva to Moroccan Jewish immigrants—spoke on the significance of attending to this tradition at a time when judicial reform and the direction of the country occupy the minds of the Israeli people, and emphasized the existence of fraternity within the Knesset as it pertains to all Israelis.
Though celebrated publicly only since 1965, Mimouna has been observed for three centuries. During Passover, the practice of avoiding leavened bread complicated the ability of Jewish and Muslim neighbors from sharing their meals; therefore, the holiday historically has marked a time of visitation and sharing.
In Morocco, the flour used to make muffulettas was traditionally brought to Jewish homes by their Muslim neighbors after sundown—a testament to the degree of cooperation and friendship that existed between the faiths.