Jewish holiday of Passover starts Wednesday at sundown
NEW YORK -- Passover began Wednesday at sundown, and Jewish families across the area marked the eight-day holiday with a traditional Seder.
Passover, known as the festival of freedom, celebrates the Jewish people emerging from slavery in Egypt.
The Seder tells the tale of their emancipation.
It's marked by symbolic foods, including matzoh, because in their haste to leave Egypt, Jews were unable to wait for bread to rise.
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To make sure those observing the holiday are safe, the NYPD is increasing its presence.
While there are no specific threats in the city, there will be additional patrols around synagogues and other religious locations.
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