Maimuna... What? • All about the colorful holiday celebrated tonight

The origin of the custom is mainly in the tradition of Moroccan Judaism.

One explanation for the existence of this holiday is the extreme caution that was common during the days of Passover not to eat at one another's house, due to differences in customs related to abstaining from leaven and the like. Therefore, immediately after Passover, they would host one another, to show that what they had not eaten at one another's house during Passover was not due to enmity but rather due to severity, and now they were eating each other's food.

In recent years, Mimouna celebrations in Israel have also taken on a political character - presidents, prime ministers, ministers and politicians participate in the events celebrated throughout the country.

The name derives from the corruption of the Hebrew word "faith." The holiday is so named because, according to tradition, the chance of redemption is greater on this day, according to the Talmud, "In Nisan were Israel redeemed, and in Nisan will they be redeemed" (Babylonian Talmud, Rosh Hashanah 102), and on this holiday the public expresses its faith in the future redemption.

Another theory is that the name comes from the Arabic word "maimun," which means luck, and those celebrating believe that this day is auspicious for livelihood and marriage.

Some believe that the name "Mimouna" derives from the name of Maimonides' father, Rabbi Maimon ben Yosef, whose Mimouna Day falls on the day of his death.

Mimouna Night is characterized by leaving the door of the house open (as long as the household members are present and awake) to invite anyone who wishes to enter, and not necessarily family members, acquaintances, or those invited in advance.

The refreshments placed on the tables are overwhelmingly sweet, probably to emphasize the hope for sweetness in other areas of life. Various types of candies and jams are served, all prepared by the hostess during Passover. Therefore, all these sweet delicacies must contain only ingredients that are kosher for Passover, namely: dates, peanuts, almonds, walnuts, sugar, etc. – but without flour or other leavened ingredients.

The mufflatas, dishes made from flour and characterized by the characteristics of mimuna, are prepared just a few minutes before serving.

It is customary to greet guests with the blessing "Tirbahu ve Tisada," and it is commonly interpreted as "May you profit and succeed," but this interpretation is incorrect. The mistake originated among Moroccans born in Israel, who interpret the blessing as an invitation to guests to enjoy the abundance of food. The correct blessing is "Tirbahu ve Tisada," and it means that first you will have profit (well-being) and then you will also be able to provide relief (help to others). The original blessing does not refer to food but to a social idea, although it is expressed in the form of a festive meal.

Some sprinkle a little flour on guests as they enter to stay.