festivalsPesach

Pesach, also known as Passover, is a major Jewish festival that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. It is a holiday of remembrance, freedom, and renewal, typically observed for seven or eight days, depending on the location. The central event of Pesach is the Seder, a ritual meal held on the first one or two nights. During the Seder, participants recount the story of the Exodus from Egypt, as told in the Book of Exodus, using a text called the Haggadah.

A key observance of Pesach is the prohibition of eating chametz, which refers to leavened grain products. This symbolizes the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, not having time for their bread to rise. Instead, a flat, unleavened bread called matzah is eaten. Families thoroughly clean their homes to remove any trace of chametz before the festival begins. The festival is a time for family gatherings, special prayers, and reflection on themes of redemption and self-determination. It marks the beginning of the Omer count, a period of 49 days leading up to the festival of Shavuot.