Passover

Passover is a special holiday for Jewish people that celebrates when their ancestors were freed from slavery in Egypt long ago. It is one of the most important holidays for Jews and is remembered each year in a big family meal called a Passover Seder. During this meal, families read a book called the Haggadah that tells the story of how the Israelites left Egypt.

The story of Passover comes from the Book of Exodus. According to this story, God told Moses to ask the Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. When the Pharaoh refused, God sent ten troubles called plagues to Egypt. The last plague was very sad, but God told the Israelites to mark their doors with lamb's blood so that this last plague would pass over their homes. After this, the Pharaoh finally let the Israelites leave Egypt.

Passover always starts on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan. Because the Jewish calendar is different from the calendar most people use today, Passover can begin on different days each year. In 2027, Passover will start at sundown on Wednesday, April 21. During Passover, Jewish people do not eat any foods that have yeast in them, which are called chametz. Instead, they eat special flat bread called matzah to remember their journey to freedom.

Etymology

The word "Passover" comes from the Hebrew word פֶּסַח (Pesach). This word first appears in the Torah, the holy book of the Jewish people, when telling the story of the Exodus. There is some debate about what the word exactly means. Many believe it means "He passed over," referring to how God "passed over" or skipped the homes of the Hebrews during a time called the Ten Plagues of Egypt.

During this special time, the Hebrews were told to pick a lamb four days before a big event. They would check the lamb each day to make sure it was healthy. On a special day, they would kill the lamb and use its blood to mark their doors. Later that night, they would eat the lamb together. The English word "Passover" comes from this Hebrew word and was first used in English translations of the Bible.

Origins and theories

Passover began as a mix of two different traditions. One was a special ritual to keep families safe, where people marked their doors with the blood of a lamb. The other was a celebration of the spring harvest, especially of barley. Over time, these traditions came together with the story of the Israelites leaving Egypt, creating the holiday we know today as Passover.

The holiday includes eating bread without yeast, which was part of the ancient harvest celebration. Some scholars think Passover also shares ideas with old spring festivals from other cultures, like those in ancient Mesopotamia. Different experts have different ideas about how these traditions combined to form Passover.

Biblical narrative

In the Book of Exodus

Further information: Plagues of Egypt

In the Book of Exodus, the Israelites were enslaved in ancient Egypt. Yahweh, the God of the Israelites, appeared to Moses in a burning bush and told him to speak to the Pharaoh. To show his power, Yahweh sent a series of ten plagues on the Egyptians, ending with the death of the firstborn children.

Before this final plague, God told Moses that the Israelites should mark their doors with the blood of a lamb. This would help God know which homes to pass over and protect. The Israelites were also told to eat the lamb that night with special foods like unleavened bread, called matzah, and bitter herbs, called maror. This meal was to be eaten quickly, as if they were ready to leave at any moment.

The Passover in other biblical passages

The holiday is also called the "festival of the unleavened bread" in the Hebrew Bible. The Book of Leviticus explains that the Passover should be kept as a special feast to remember how the Israelites were saved. Important events, like King Josiah of Judah restoring the Passover celebration and the Jews in exile in Babylon holding the festival after rebuilding the temple, are also recorded.

In extra-biblical sources

Details about Passover are found in other old writings. For example, letters from Elephantine, Egypt, mention getting rid of leavened bread. Writers from later times, like Josephus and Philo, also describe how the Passover lamb was eaten and the special meals that were part of the celebration.

Date and duration

See also: Hebrew calendar and Yom tov sheni shel galuyot

Passover starts on the 15th day of the month of Nisan, which usually falls between March 26 and April 25 on the Gregorian calendar. The holiday begins in the evening after the 14th day, with a special meal called a seder. Passover is a spring celebration, and the 15th day of Nisan often starts on the night of a full moon after the northern vernal equinox. Sometimes, because of extra months added to the calendar, Passover can start on a later full moon.

In Israel, Passover lasts seven days, with the first and last days as holidays when people rest and have special meals and prayers. Jews living outside of Israel usually celebrate for eight days. Some groups, like Karaites and the Samaritans, follow different calendar rules, which can make their Passover dates vary.

Prohibition of chametz

See also: Chametz § Removal of chametz, and Bedikat Chametz

Leaven, in Hebrew chametz (Hebrew: חמץ ḥamets, "leavening") is made from one of five types of grains combined with water and left to stand for more than eighteen minutes. During Passover, it is forbidden to consume, keep, or own chametz. Yeast and fermentation are not themselves forbidden, as seen in wine, which is required during the holiday.

Observant Jews spend the weeks before Passover cleaning their homes to remove all chametz. This includes thorough cleaning of kitchen counters and storing any items that have touched chametz. Some hotels, resorts, and cruise ships across the United States, Europe, and Israel also clean to make their premises suitable for those observing Passover.

On the night before the Passover Seder, Jews conduct a formal search in their homes for any remaining leaven, known as bedikat chametz. This search is done by candlelight, using a feather and a wooden spoon to find and collect any small pieces of leaven, which are then burned the next morning. A special blessing is said before the search begins.

Morning of 14th of Nisan

Note that if the 14th of Nisan is Shabbat, many of the below will be celebrated on the 13th instead due to restrictions in place during Shabbat.

Fast of the Firstborn

Main articles: Fast of the Firstborn and siyum

On the day before the first Passover meal, or on Thursday morning if the first meal is after Motza'ei Shabbat, firstborn sons have a special tradition. They often take part in a fast to remember how the firstborn Israelites were saved. However, synagogues usually hold a special ceremony right after morning prayers, followed by a celebration. This meal removes the need for the fast.

Burning and nullification of leaven

On the morning of the 14th of Nisan, any bread that rises is gathered and burned. The head of the house says a special phrase, declaring that any rising bread they might have missed is no longer important. This helps make sure no rising bread is eaten during Passover.

Not eating matzah from sunrise until sunset (day before Passover)

Even special flat bread called matzah cannot be eaten during the daylight hours before Passover begins. Some families follow this rule for up to 30 days before Passover.

Passover sacrifice

During ancient times, a special meal called the Passover sacrifice was an important part of the Passover celebration. Families would bring a young lamb or goat to the Temple and eat it together during a special dinner called the Seder. The lamb had to be cooked just right—roasted, with no bones broken, and eaten with special bread and bitter herbs.

Today, since the Temple is no longer standing, people cannot perform this sacrifice. Instead, they remember it with special foods placed on the Seder plate and by reading ancient stories about the Passover sacrifice during their dinner.

Matzah

Main article: Matzah

A key symbol of Passover is matzah, a special flatbread made only from flour and water. It is baked quickly so it doesn’t rise, and is eaten during the Passover holiday. The Torah teaches that the Hebrews left Egypt in such a hurry that they didn’t have time to let their bread rise, so matzah reminds us of their quick escape.

Matzah is also called “bread of poverty,” and it helps us remember what it was like to live without comfort. It teaches us to stay humble and to appreciate freedom. Some people make matzah by hand in groups, while others use machines. No matter how it is made, matzah is a tasty and meaningful part of the Passover celebration.

Passover seder

Jewish families come together for a special dinner called a seder on the first night of Passover. During this meal, they tell the story of their ancestors leaving Egypt long ago. The dinner has a special order, with many parts and traditions. Children play an important role, asking questions about why this night is different. This helps everyone remember the history and the meaning of the meal. The seder often includes songs and stories, making it a lively and memorable event for families.

The meal includes special foods like bitter herbs, which remind people of the hard times their ancestors faced. There are also four cups of wine, each linked to a part of the story. At the end of the meal, everyone says, "Next year in Jerusalem!" showing their hope for the future. The seder is a time for families to share, learn, and celebrate together.

Hallel

During Passover, people say special prayers called Hallel. These prayers are taken from Psalms and are meant to thank and praise God. On the first day of Passover, the whole Hallel is said, just like on other happy days such as Shavuot and Succot. For the rest of the days of Passover, only half of Hallel is said. This is a tradition that helps people show gratitude and celebrate the important meaning of Passover.

Counting of the Omer

Main article: Counting of the Omer

Starting on the second night of Passover, the 16th day of Nisan, Jewish people begin the practice of the Counting of the Omer. This is a special way to count the days until the holiday of Shavuot, which comes 50 days later. Each night after the evening prayer service, both men and women say a blessing and count the day of the Omer. For example, on the first night, they say, "Today is the first day in the Omer," and on the second night, "Today is the second day in the Omer." They also count the weeks, saying things like, "Today is the seventh day, which is one week in the Omer."

When the Temple stood in Jerusalem, a special offering of new barley was made on the second day of Passover. Since the Temple was destroyed, this offering is now remembered with words instead of actions. The Counting of the Omer helps show the link between Passover and Shavuot. It reminds people that the freedom they celebrated at Passover was just the start of a journey. This journey led to a deeper understanding and acceptance of their responsibilities when they received important teachings at Mount Sinai.

Chol HaMoed: The intermediate days of Passover

In Israel, Passover lasts for seven days, with the first and last days being major Jewish holidays. Outside Israel, many communities observe the holiday for eight days, with the first two and last two days as major holidays. The days in between, called Chol HaMoed, are less strict and allow for necessary work.

During Chol HaMoed, families often enjoy outdoor activities and special meals. These meals include foods like matzah, hard-boiled eggs, fruits, vegetables, and treats such as macaroons. Traditional recipes might use potato starch or special Passover flours instead of regular ingredients. Some families in Israel use a special cooking tool called a Wonder Pot to prepare meals when they cannot use their ovens.

Seventh day of Passover

Shevi'i shel Pesach (שביעי של פסח, 'seventh [day] of Passover') is a special Jewish holiday, with unique prayer services and joyful meals. Outside of Israel, people in the Jewish diaspora celebrate this day on both the seventh and eighth days of Passover. This day remembers when the Children of Israel came to the Red Sea and saw the amazing event where the sea split open (Passage of the Red Sea).

Many Hasidic leaders, called Rebbes, gather with their followers for a special meeting called a tish on this night. They often place a cup of water on the table and talk about the miracle of the sea splitting, singing songs to honor God.

Second Passover

The "Second Passover" (Pesach Sheni) happens on the 14th of Iyar in the Hebrew calendar. It is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible's Book of Numbers for people who could not take part in the main Passover celebration because of ritual impurity or being far from Jerusalem.

Today, Pesach Sheni is a very small holiday. There are no special prayers or activities, except in some places people choose not to say a certain prayer called Tachanun. Some families also eat a small piece of matzah that night, even though it is not required by Jewish law.

Notable events on Passover

Biblical

1. Abel offered a lamb that was accepted.
2. The war of Abraham and the four kings when he went to rescue Lot.
3. The Covenant Between the Parts (1743 BCE): God made a special promise with Abraham.
4. Abraham invited three visitors for a meal and was promised that Sarah would have a child the next year.
5. The two angels stayed with Lot, and the next morning the city of Sodom was destroyed.
6. Isaac was born on the first day of Passover. Many years later, the Akedah also happened on that same day.
7. Isaac asked Esau to prepare a meal so he could give him a blessing.
8. Jacob wrestled with an angel and was given the name Israel.
9. Moses stood at the burning bush. One year before the exodus, God spoke to Moses from the burning bush and asked him to free the people of Israel.
10. The Exodus. The children of Israel were protected by the blood of a lamb during a terrible night when the firstborn of Egypt were taken. They were safe and left Egypt the next morning. God helped them, and they left with treasures that they asked their neighbors for, which were later used to build a special tent for God.
11. Gideon won a battle against Midian after having a dream involving a barley cake.
12. King Hezekiah was healed, and the Assyrian army was defeated by an angel.
13. Queen Vashti was removed by King Achashverosh, which led to Esther becoming queen.
14. Esther called for a fast during Passover. Haman had prepared a gallows for Mordecai on the first night of Passover. That same night, King Ahasuerus couldn’t sleep, which led to Haman’s downfall.
15. Daniel spent a night in the Lion’s Den.
16. King Belshazzar of Babylon used items from the temple and was judged by a message written on a wall.

Modern day

1. 1979 – Uganda – Judaism was not allowed by Idi Amin starting in 1971. On Wednesday, 11 April 1979, which was 14 Nisan 5739, the new government, made up of Ugandan rebels and Tanzanian troops, allowed people to practice their religion freely again. Passover was celebrated that night.

Traditional foods

During Passover, Jewish families eat special foods because their homes are free of leaven for eight days. One common food is matzah, a type of flat bread. Ashkenazi families might enjoy matzah brei, which is matzah softened in milk or water and fried with egg, or matzo kugel, a dish made with matzah instead of noodles. They also eat charoset, a sweet mixture of fruits, nuts, and spices that reminds them of the mortar used by their ancestors in Egypt. Other popular dishes include chrain, a relish made from horseradish and beets, and gefilte fish, poached fish patties.

Sephardi families have their own special foods, like kafteikas di prasa, fried balls made from leeks, meat, and matzah meal. They often serve lamb or chicken legs, which symbolize God's strength. Mina, a pie made with matzah and either meat or spinach, is also enjoyed. Sephardi charoset can be made from figs, raisins, dates, and other ingredients depending on the family’s background. Spring vegetables like artichokes, fava beans, and peas are also common during Passover.

Related celebrations, sermons, lyrics, and song in other religions

The story of freedom during Passover has inspired many religious songs and messages, including spirituals in the African-American community.

Different communities celebrate in their own ways: Saint Thomas Syrian Christians observe Maundy Thursday as Pesaha, sharing special bread called Pesaha Appam. The Samaritan religion has its own Passover celebration based on the Samaritan Pentateuch, and Karaite Judaism also observes Passover, though it does not follow the same traditions as mainstream Rabbinic Judaism.

Christianity celebrates Easter around the same time as Passover because of the events surrounding Jesus' life. In Islam, Ashura marks Moses's escape from Egypt with special fasting.

Environmental links

Some people think Passover teaches us important lessons about taking care of our planet, especially with problems like climate change. Rabbi Yonatan Neril, who leads the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development, says that dealing with climate change is similar to the story of the Plagues of Egypt and how the Pharaoh did not want to change his ways. Scientists found clues that big changes in weather happened when Ramesses II was in charge, which might explain some of the plagues described in stories. These changes could have affected the Nile river and caused a red algae bloom.