Mimouna

Mimouna (, , Berber: Mimuna, ⵎⵉⵎⵓⵏⴰ) is a traditional Maghrebi Jewish celebration dinner that takes place in Morocco, Israel, France, Canada, and other places around the world where Maghrebi Jews live. It is held the day after Passover, marking the return to eating hametz (leavened bread), which is forbidden throughout the week of Passover.

==History== thumb|Mufletta Though the practice only began to be recorded in the middle of the 18th century, its derivation and etymology are ancient. Possible derivations for the name Mimouna include: The name of Maimonides' father Maymun. Mimouna might mark the date of his birth or death "faith" or "I believe" The Arabic word for "wealth" or "good luck" as on this day, according to the midrash, the gold and jewelry of the drowned Egyptians washed up on the shore of the Red Sea and enriched the Israelites. Mimouna is associated with faith and belief in immediate prosperity, as seen in its customs of matchmaking, and well-wishes for successful childbearing. Manna, which was the food God provided following the Exodus, and during the subsequent wandering in the desert. The name of a Berber goddess is also a possible etymology.