Passover

Passover (also known as Pesach in Hebrew) is a significant Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. It is observed for seven or eight days, depending on the Jewish tradition followed, and is one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays.

Origins and History

Passover is based on the biblical story of the Exodus, as described in the Book of Exodus in the Hebrew Bible. According to the story, God inflicted ten plagues upon the Egyptians before Pharaoh released his Hebrew slaves, with the tenth plague being the death of the Egyptian first-born. The Israelites were instructed to mark the doorposts of their homes with the blood of a slaughtered spring lamb and, upon seeing this, the spirit of the Lord knew to pass over the first-born in these homes.

Observance

The primary observances of Passover are related to the Seder meal and the prohibition of leaven during the holiday period. The Seder meal is held on the first night of Passover (first two nights in traditional Jewish communities outside Israel), and involves a family or community gathering. It is a ritualized meal that involves the retelling of the story of the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt.

Passover Foods

Special foods are prepared and eaten during the Passover holiday, including Matzah, a type of unleavened bread, and Maror, bitter herbs symbolizing the bitterness of slavery. A special Seder plate is used during the Seder meal, which contains symbolic foods referred to in the Seder itself.

Passover in Modern Times

In modern times, Passover is a time for Jewish families to gather and observe the rituals of the Seder meal. It is also a time of reflection on the themes of freedom and liberation.

See Also

• Jewish holidays
• Exodus
• Seder Plate
• Matzah
• Maror

Passover Resources
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