Pesach

Pesach, also known as Passover, is a major Jewish festival commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt and their subsequent journey to freedom. The term Pesach (Hebrew: פסח) means “to pass over” or “to protect,” referring to the plague during which the Israelites were spared while the Egyptians suffered. The holiday occurs in the Hebrew month of Nisan, beginning on the eve of the 15th and lasting seven days in Israel and eight days in many communities outside Israel. The first and last days are observed as full festival holidays, while the intermediate days, when observed, are called Chol Hamoed and involve partial work restrictions.

Central to Pesach is the Seder, a ceremonial meal that retells the Exodus story through the Haggadah. Key elements include the retelling itself, the reading of the Magid, and the eating of symbolic foods on the Seder plate: matzah (unleavened bread), maror (bitter herbs), charoset (a sweet paste), karpas (vegetable), zeroa (shank bone), and beitzah (egg). Participants drink four cups of wine or grape juice and conclude with songs such as Dayenu and various prayers.

Observances include removing chametz from homes and avoiding leavened products during the festival. Bedikat chametz (search for chametz) and biur chametz (nullification and burning) are observed before Pesach to ensure chametz is not consumed. Matzah is prepared quickly to prevent fermentation and serves as the staple during the holiday.

Pesach holds historical and religious significance and is celebrated by Jewish communities worldwide with a range of customs and practices reflecting tradition and modern observance.