Passover (Pesach)

Passover. Also known as Pesach, a major Jewish holiday commemorating the Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Celebrated for seven days in Israel and eight days in the Diaspora, it is one of Judaism‘s Three Pilgrimage Festivals.

The name “Passover” originates from the biblical story where God “passed over” the homes of the Israelites during the tenth plague.

Observance and Rituals

• Seder Meal: Central to Passover is the Seder, held on the first two nights (one night in Israel). The Seder plate contains symbolic foods, such as matzah (unleavened bread), bitter herbs, and charoset, representing aspects of the Exodus story.
• Chametz Removal: Observant Jews clean their homes of leavened products (chametz) and consume matzah to honor the Israelites’ hasty departure from Egypt.
• Sacred Symbols: Matzah symbolizes both slavery’s affliction and liberation’s urgency. Four cups of wine represent redemption and hope.

Themes

Passover transcends historical remembrance, emphasizing universal values:

• Freedom and Liberation: It symbolizes the quest for dignity and justice, inspiring solidarity with marginalized groups.
• Social Justice: The Seder often includes discussions on contemporary injustices like hunger, homelessness, and human trafficking.
• Empowerment and Inclusion: Rituals like adding an orange to the Seder plate highlight solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities and other minorities.

Modern Relevance

Passover remains a dynamic holiday that encourages reflection on racial justice, immigration, and systemic oppression. Families often integrate social action into their observances, such as donating chametz to food pantries or using Haggadah supplements to discuss human rights issues.

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