Passover
April 18, Friday
History of Pesach
Pesach is associated with the events described in the Torah (the Five Books of Moses), in particular with the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt. According to the biblical story, the Jews were in slavery in Egypt until God led them to liberation through Moses. The holiday celebrates not only the physical deliverance from slavery, but also the beginning of the formation of the Jewish people as an independent nation.
The Torah tells how God sent ten plagues on Egypt to force Pharaoh to let the Jews go. The last plague was the death of the firstborn in Egypt. However, according to God's instructions, the Jews marked their doors with the blood of the Passover lamb so that the angel of death would "pass over" their houses. This event became the basis for the name of the holiday - "Pesach" in Hebrew means "to pass by" or "to pass through." After this, the Pharaoh agreed to let the Jews go, and they began their journey through the desert to the Promised Land.
Pesach Traditions
Pesach lasts eight days (in Israel - seven) and begins on the 15th day of the month of Nisan in the Jewish calendar (usually March-April). Here are some of the key elements and traditions of the holiday:
The Seder is a festive dinner that takes place on the first evening of Passover (and sometimes the second evening if the holiday lasts two days). The Seder includes readings from the Haggadah (the book telling the story of the Exodus), traditional prayers, songs, and symbolic foods.
Matza is an unleavened bread eaten during Passover. Matza reminds Jews of how their ancestors rushed to leave Egypt and did not have time to let the dough rise.
Four Cups of Wine - Four cups of wine are drunk during the Seder, symbolizing God's four promises to save Israel.
Symbolic Foods
Maror (bitter herbs, usually horseradish) symbolizes the bitterness of slavery.
Charoset (a mixture of apples, nuts, wine, and cinnamon) symbolizes the mortar that the Jews used in slavery.
Karpas (greens, such as parsley) are dipped in salt water, symbolizing the tears of slaves.
Zara (a bone from the Passover lamb) commemorates the sacrifice of the lamb in Egypt.
Prohibition of Chametz - During Passover, Jews are forbidden to eat bread or products containing leaven (chametz). This symbolizes the haste with which the Jews left Egypt, not having time to let the dough rise.
Hagga (Passover) and Liberation. Passover symbolizes freedom, so the holiday places a lot of emphasis on family gatherings, as well as participation in social and religious events that emphasize the importance of freedom and independence.