Passover (Pesach in Hebrew) is known as the "holiday of freedom." It is an 8 day holiday (in Israel, seven days) and is celebrated from the 15th through the 22nd of the month of Nisan (sundown of April 5 - nightfall of April 13, 2023).
What is the meaning of Passover?
Passover commemorates the Jewish Exodus from Egypt following 210 years of slavery. It is regarded as the "birth" of the Jewish nation, and its lessons of struggle and identity continue to form the basis of Jewish consciousness 3,300 years after the event. The name ‘Passover’ is derived from the fact that during the final plague – the slaying of the first born – God “passed over" the Jewish homes.
How to celebrate Passover
The holiday is marked by the celebration of an elaborate Seder on the first two nights (in Israel, on the first night only). The Seder is designed to give each Jew the experience of "going from slavery unto freedom." As recorded in the Haggadah, we tell the Exodus story and recount the Ten Plagues. We eat symbols of slavery and freedom, and the festive meal includes many delicious recipes for foods that people look forward to all year (think matzah balls!). We recite the Hallel prayer of praise, and end the Seder with the hope of “Next year in Jerusalem!”
The Seder is a special tie of family bonding and children are a particular focus of the night. They enjoy a variety of Passover songs like the Four Questions (Ma Nishatana), tell of the Four Sons, sing the “Dayenu” song, try to "steal" the Afikoman, and open the door for Elijah the Prophet.
