What is Passover in Judaism?

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Passover is one of the most important festivals in the Jewish calendar. It is also the first of three major festivals that commemorate the Hebrew people’s escape from Egypt. This festival is often celebrated with great ceremonies and pomp. In some traditions, the Seder, which is a ceremonial meal, is held. For a selection of Seder Plates, visit cazenovejudaica.com/uk/seder-plate

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The Seder is a ritual meal that includes a series of traditional rituals and prayers. Normally, it is held in the home. During the seder, stories are told and symbolic foods are eaten. There are lots of delicious passover recipes online for families to enjoy together.

A common main course is roasted chicken. Eggs are used as symbolic sacrifices. Another common vegetable is hazeret, a bitter herb that symbolises the bitterness of slavery. Many towns have community bonfires. This recreation is a physical reminder of God’s power.

On the first and seventh days of Passover, there are special prohibitions on work. These days are called Chol Ha-Mo’ed. The last day of Passover is called Pesach, which means “passed over”. It marks the anniversary of the Jews’ liberation from Egypt.

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Chametz, which is unleavened dough, is not allowed to be eaten during Passover. However, it can be sold to non-Jews. After the night before Passover, the chametz is burned.

Passover is celebrated with a festive meal. Symbolic foods are used to represent the hasty exit of enslaved Jews from Egypt. Other foods are symbolic of the Hebrews’ bondage in Egypt.