Passover
Rabbinical Assembly Passover Guide
Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, is the most celebrated Jewish holiday. It commemorates the Exodus from Egypt and the Israelites' journey from slavery to freedom. The central ritual of Passover is the seder, a ceremonial meal held on the first two nights (or one night in Israel). The seder follows the Haggadah, a text that recounts the Exodus story and guides participants through symbolic foods, prayers, and songs.
The story of the Exodus is the foundation of Passover. The Torah recounts that the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt until God sent Moses to demand their release. After Pharaoh refused, God inflicted ten plagues upon Egypt, the final being the death of the firstborn. The Israelites marked their doorposts with lamb’s blood so the Angel of Death would “pass over” their homes. Following this final plague, Pharaoh relented, and the Israelites fled Egypt in haste, leaving no time for their bread to rise—hence the tradition of eating matzah.
Preparation for Passover is extensive and begins weeks before the holiday. A key aspect is removing chametz (leavened foods) from the home. This process includes thorough cleaning and often the symbolic “sale” of chametz to a non-Jew for the duration of the holiday. Many purchase special Passover foods that are certified chametz-free.
The seder is structured to engage all participants, especially children, in retelling the Exodus story. It follows a set order (seder means “order” in Hebrew) with 14 steps emphasizing themes of slavery, freedom, and gratitude.
Important Symbols of Passover:
- Matzah – Unleavened bread, symbolizing the haste in which the Israelites left Egypt, without time for their bread to rise.
- Maror (Bitter Herbs) – Usually horseradish or romaine lettuce, representing the bitterness of slavery in Egypt.
- Charoset – A sweet mixture of apples, nuts, wine, and spices, symbolizing the mortar used by Israelite slaves to build for the Egyptians.
- Z’roa (Shank Bone) – A roasted bone, representing the Paschal lamb sacrifice made in the Temple.
- Beitzah (Egg) – A roasted egg, symbolizing the festival sacrifice and the cycle of life and renewal.
- Karpas (Green Vegetable, usually Parsley or Celery) – Represents springtime and renewal; dipped in saltwater to recall the tears of the Israelite slaves.
One of the seder’s most engaging elements is the Four Questions (Mah Nishtanah), traditionally asked by the youngest participant to highlight Passover’s unique traditions. The seder also includes the recitation of the Ten Plagues, drinking four cups of wine, and singing songs like Dayenu, which expresses gratitude for God’s blessings.
Passover is a celebration of both physical and spiritual liberation. Through preparing for and participating in the seder, Jews connect with their ancestors, pass down traditions, and reflect on the ongoing pursuit of justice and freedom in every generation.
