Jewish Passover

Passover (Pesach) - The Jewish Festival of Freedom

Passover, known in Hebrew as Pesach (פֶּסַח), is one of the most significant and widely observed Jewish holidays. It commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as described in the biblical Book of Exodus (Shemot).

1. Basic Overview

• When: Passover begins on the 15th of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar and lasts for seven days in Israel and eight days in the diaspora.
• Significance: Celebrates Jewish freedom from Egyptian slavery, the birth of the Jewish nation, and divine redemption.
• Themes: Slavery to freedom, faith, gratitude, divine intervention, and national identity.
• Key Practices: The Seder, eating matzah (unleavened bread), avoiding chametz (leavened food), storytelling, and special prayers.

2. The Biblical Story of Passover

The story of Passover comes from the Book of Exodus in the Torah.

1. Slavery in Egypt
• The Israelites, originally welcomed in Egypt due to Joseph, became enslaved under Pharaoh, who feared their growing numbers.
• They endured harsh labor and oppression.
2. Moses and the Plagues
• God commanded Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
• Pharaoh refused, so God sent Ten Plagues to punish Egypt:
1. Blood (Dam) – Nile River turned to blood.
2. Frogs (Tzefardea) – Infestation of frogs.
3. Lice (Kinim) – Swarm of lice.
4. Wild Beasts (Arov) – Attacks by wild animals.
5. Pestilence (Dever) – Livestock disease.
6. Boils (Shechin) – Painful skin sores.
7. Hail (Barad) – Fire and ice hailstorm.
8. Locusts (Arbeh) – Crops devoured.
9. Darkness (Choshech) – Three days of total darkness.
10. Death of the Firstborn (Makat Bechorot) – Every Egyptian firstborn was killed, but the Israelite homes were "passed over" if they marked their doorposts with lamb’s blood.
3. The Exodus
• Pharaoh finally let the Israelites go.
• They left Egypt in haste, with no time for their bread to rise (reason for eating matzah).
• Pharaoh changed his mind and pursued them.
• The Miracle of the Red Sea: God split the sea, allowing the Israelites to escape while drowning the Egyptian army.
4. The Journey to Freedom
• The Israelites traveled for 40 years in the desert, receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai before entering the Land of Israel.

3. Passover Traditions and Customs

A. The Passover Seder (סֵדֶר - "Order")

The most important ritual is the Seder night, held on the first two nights (only one night in Israel). It is a ceremonial meal filled with symbolic foods, prayers, and storytelling.

• Haggadah (הַגָּדָה) – The book that guides the Seder, telling the Exodus story.
• Four Questions (Ma Nishtana) – Traditionally asked by the youngest child.
• The Four Cups of Wine – Representing freedom, redemption, divine promise, and deliverance.
• Reclining – Symbolizes relaxation and freedom, as opposed to slavery.

B. The Seder Plate (Ke'ara - קְעָרָה)

A special plate containing symbolic foods:

1. Matzah – Unleavened bread, symbolizing haste of departure.
2. Maror (Bitter Herbs, e.g., horseradish) – Represents the bitterness of slavery.
3. Charoset (Sweet Paste of Nuts, Apples, Wine, and Cinnamon) – Symbolizes the mortar used in building for Pharaoh.
4. Karpas (Vegetable, often parsley or celery) – Represents spring and renewal, dipped in saltwater (tears of slavery).
5. Z'roa (Shank Bone) – Represents the Paschal Lamb sacrifice in the ancient Temple.
6. Beitzah (Roasted Egg) – Represents mourning over the destroyed Temple in Jerusalem.

C. Avoiding Chametz (Leavened Bread)

• Chametz includes anything made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt that has risen.
• Homes are cleaned thoroughly, and all chametz is removed, sold, or burned.
• Special Passover dishes and utensils are used.

D. Special Foods and Customs

• Matzah – Unleavened bread eaten throughout the holiday.
• Kosher-for-Passover foods – No chametz; some communities avoid kitniyot (legumes, rice, corn, etc.).
• Yachatz – Breaking the middle matzah, hiding part for the Afikoman, which children try to find.
• Elijah’s Cup – A cup of wine left for the Prophet Elijah, believed to visit every Seder.
• Miriam’s Cup – A newer tradition honoring Miriam’s role in the Exodus.

4. Passover in Jewish Communities Around the World

• Ashkenazi Jews – Avoid kitniyot (rice, corn, legumes, peanuts) in addition to chametz.
• Sephardic Jews – Often allow kitniyot, but avoid chametz.
• Ethiopian Jews (Beta Israel) – Have unique traditions, sometimes avoiding fermented foods entirely.
• Persian Jews – Some celebrate with a dramatic reenactment of the Exodus.
• Moroccan Jews – Celebrate Mimouna, a post-Passover feast welcoming back chametz.

5. Passover Prayers and Synagogue Services

• Hallel – Special psalms of praise.
• Torah Readings – Focus on the Exodus story and laws of Passover.
• Yizkor (Memorial Service) – On the last day of Passover, honoring deceased loved ones.

6. Historical and Modern Significance

• Spiritual Meaning: A reminder of faith, divine intervention, and freedom.
• Zionist Symbolism: The Exodus inspired many Jewish movements for freedom and return to the Land of Israel.
• Political and Social Parallels: Passover has been referenced in struggles for civil rights and liberation movements.

7. Conclusion

Passover is a celebration of freedom, faith, and Jewish identity. It connects Jews to their ancient past, unites families and communities, and serves as a reminder of the universal struggle for justice and redemption.