מורשת יהדות מרוקו

THE MIMOUNA

This painting describes the Maimouna evening: The rabbi blesses the community; people are tasting the confections; women prepare the pancakes and the tea, a group of guests enter with cymbals and song to receive the blessing of the rabbi and to taste of the sweet confections.

THE MAIMOUNA STORY — the holiday and its origins:

We have evidence from several sources that the Maimouna originated in the 18th century. The word "Maimouna" is probably taken from the Arabic "Maimoun", meaning happiness. Everything done on this evening is intended to provide for a year of blessing and joy. The Maimouna is also an expression of faith in the final Redemption. Just as the Exodus took place in Nissan, so will Israel be redeemed in Nissan. Another tradition places the death of R. Maimon, Maimonides' father, on the day following the Seventh Day of Passover (the anniversary of the death of an eminent religious figure is often marked by festivities).

While the men are still at synagogue, the woman of the house prepares the table, but not in her customary manner as on the other days of the year. The color green is outstanding that night, since in addition to the many kinds of greens which decorate the house, on the table are placed sheaves of wheat and barley, green ful (a kind of bean), lettuce and flowers — a sign for a green and blessed year; a live fish, which is the symbol for plenty and fruitfulness, and nearby there are milk, honey, flour, eggs, walnuts and almonds, dates, cookies and other sweetmeats.

On this evening, there is no sign of salt, pepper, black olives, mustard or meat. A special dish which is prepared only on the evening of the Maimouna is "moufleta' — a pastry from thin dough which is fried in oil, as would be an omlette, with one difference: in place of eggs, flour is used. The fried moufleta is dipped in fresh butter and honey. Another dish on the festive table that evening is the "kouskous".

Following the Arvit prayer, the congregants would accompany the Rabbi or the Chazan to their home. In several locations the congregants would carry the rabbi on their backs and accompany him with song. At home, the wife of the Chacham offers the guests refreshment and the rabbi blesses the congregation, including the birchat Cohanim, the priestly blessing. Before leaving, each one takes a date and hurries on to his home.