Passover, or Pesach, celebrates the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and subsequent freedom from slavery. This year, Passover begins on the evening of April 15th and will last for 8 days (7 in Israel).
Why is it called Passover?
As described in the Book of Exodus, G-d told Moses and his brother Aaron to ask the Egyptian Pharaoh to allow the Israelites to leave (and no longer be enslaved). Moses went to the Pharaoh nine times and after each denial, G-d sent a plague upon the land. After the tenth denial, G-d sent an angel of death to kill all the firstborn sons; Moses was instructed to tell the Israelites to mark their doorposts with lambs’ blood and their sons would be spared (literally “passed over”).
To mark this miracle and the subsequent Exodus from Egypt, the Israelites celebrate every year on the anniversary of this time.
How is Passover Celebrated?
Before Passover starts, Jews will clean their homes and purge any leavened bread (chametz). The removal of chametz commemorates how the Jews left Egypt in a hurry and did not have time to let their bread rise.1 The first night of Passover is marked with a Seder using fine plates and flatware. Once candles have been lit, the 15-step feast begins, centered around telling the story of the Exodus.2
Throughout the Seder 4 cups of wine are consumed (marking different parts of the Exodus) as well as elements from the Seder plate including: Maror (bitter herbs), Chazeret (bitter lettuce, typically romaine), Charoset (sweet paste of fruits and nuts), Karpas (vegetable dipped in salt water, typically parsley). Blessings, songs, and games with children – including The 4 Questions and finding the afikomen – feature throughout!
Find out more about the 15 steps here!
The following day is a day of rest, followed by a Second Seder that night. The rest of the week, no leavened bread may be eaten but some work may be done. At the end of the week are two more days of rest and final celebrations are held.
