Passover

When did the Passover start?

The first recorded date of Passover being celebrated on April 11 was in the year 1312 BCE.

About Passover Holiday

Passover (or Pesach in Hebrew) is an eight-day Jewish holiday celebrated in the early spring. It commemorates the story of the Israelite's exodus from slavery in ancient Egypt as told in the Torah. The holiday is characterised by special religious services, special meals and customs such as the eating of matzah and the reading the Haggadah at the Passover Seder.

Passover marks the beginning of the Jewish spring festival known as the 'Festival of Freedom'. On the first and second days of the holiday, observant Jews gather for special services and prayers in the synagogue. They read from the book of Exodus, listen to the Seder table's history, sing ancient songs and eat matzah. The Seder is a ritual meal held in the home which guests attend, either family members or non-family friends. The occasion is special and is dedicated to the remembrance of the Jewish people's suffering and exile while under the rule of Pharoah in ancient Egypt.

During the rest of the holiday, the usual dietary restrictions of Jewish law are relaxed. People are allowed to enjoy occasional leavened bread, cheese and other dairy products. On the final day of Passover, Erev (the "ninth day"), observant Jews attend a final day of worship and special ceremonies. Passover reminds Jews of the importance of freedom and the universal themes of justice, love and compassion.

Passover (Pesach) – Overview

Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, is one of the most important Jewish holidays. It is a celebration of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt as recounted in the Bible, and marks the beginning of the Jewish calendar year. Passover lasts for seven or eight days, depending on whether or not Hebrews follow the Orthodox customs, and is celebrated by Jewish people all over the world.

Historical Context

Passover dates back to 1300 BCE when Moses led the Israelites out of captivity in Egypt, an event that is described in the Book of Exodus in the Hebrew Bible. According to scripture, God caused several terrible plagues to befall the Egyptians until they agreed to free the Israelites. As the Lord put it, “when I see the blood, I will pass over you.” Thus, the story of Passover is linked to the tenth plague of Exodus, in which all the firstborn of every Egyptian was killed, but God ‘passed over’ the children of Israel.

In commemoration of this event, the children of Israel were commanded to mark their doorposts with the blood of a spring lamb. This event is known as the Paschal Sacrifice, and is commemorated by an annual feast known as the Seder. The Seder is the main event of the holiday, and is observed in homes, community centers, and temples throughout the world.

How Passover is Celebrated

In principle, the Passover celebration consists of abstaining from leavened foods, such as breads, cakes, and pastries, for the duration of the holiday. This abstinence is known as avoiding ‘Chametz’. The practice of abstaining from leavened foods represents the haste with which the Israelites had to leave Egypt, and the fact that they had to cook up the dough that they had just kneaded without letting it rise. Additionally, it is custom in some Jewish communities to also avoid other foods produced from grains, including corn, rice, and beans.

On the first night of Passover, Jews around the world gather around their tables and observe the Seder with their families. A special meal is served, which is followed by the story of the Exodus from Egypt and a prayer of thanks to God for delivering the Israelites from their slavery. Then, four ‘tochens’ of bread or matzo are broken and dipped into wine or salt water. This ritual serves as a symbolic representation of the four parts of the human body that are exempted from the tenth plague.

In different countries, Passover is celebrated differently. In Israel, Passover is celebrated for eight days beginning on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nissan. In many Orthodox communities, women and girls light a special candle in the evening and recite the prayers associated with it. Jewish communities outside of Israel typically celebrate for seven days, beginning on the first night of the holiday depending on the rule of the synagogue. In addition, many Jewish communities celebrate Passover in the usual ways, including exchanging of gifts, hosting special meals, and engaging in activities that encourage family time.

Conclusion

Passover is perhaps the oldest and most important Jewish holiday, commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Jewish people around the world celebrate Passover for seven or eight days depending on custom, and typically observe a special meal known as the Seder. Observances of the holiday vary greatly between communal and individual practices, with the most important aspect being an appreciation of the importance of freedom and a remembrance of God’s deliverance of the Israelites.

How to Say "Passover" In Different Languages?