Passover is one of the most important of the Jewish holidays. Commemorating their exodus from Egypt and freedom from slavery, it is often overshadowed outside of Jewish communities by Easter which is connected to Passover. Yet this also makes the understanding of Passover more important to a large section of society which might otherwise overlook this holiday.
The origin of Passover is in the book of Exodus. In this story, the Israelites had been enslaved by the Egyptians. God sends ten plagues to convince the Pharaoh to allow them to leave Egypt. During the final of these plagues, the first born of each house was killed, but the Israelites sacrificed a lamb and marked their doors with the lamb's blood. In this way, the death passed over these homes.
One of the reasons that Passover is so important, is that it is one of the three Pilgrim Festivals which meant that while the temple stood, Israelites would make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. An eight-day festival, the celebration of Passover begins on the 15th of Nissan and ends on the 21st. During this time, leavened bread is not eaten and work is limited.
The primary observance of Passover is the Seder, a ritual meal which includes wine, unleavened bread, bitter herbs and crushed fruit. Among the rituals are questions that help teach the story of Passover. These questions are:
"Why does this night differ from all other nights?"
"Why on this night only unleavened bread?"
"Why on this night only bitter herbs?"
"Why on this night must we dip them twice?"
"Why on this night do we all recline?"
These questions help to ensure that the tradition and history is not lost.
The most commonly observed of Jewish holidays, Passover is a date to remember the freedom of the Israelites from slavery, the protection of God and the great Exodus which God decreed would be celebrated for all generations.
The development of the Haggadah and the Passover Seder goes back to the first century CE, and new Passover traditions are added even today. |
You have many options for a Passover Haggadah. The varieties available allow the host to have a Seder that is tailored to his or her guests' interests. |
What is Shavuot? The Jewish holiday of Shavuot is one of the seven major Jewish festivals in the Jewish calendar year. |
Telling the Passover story should lead to discussion at the Seder table. |
Check out our guide with everything you need to know about the Passover holiday from Passover traditions to choosing the Passover Haggadah to great activities for the kids during the Jewish Passover to learning the proper way to tell the Passover story. |
Jewish Passover activities for children can prevent kids from getting bored and restless during the Seder. |
