Pesach – The Passover

Table of Dates Correlate to Gregorian Calendar

Pesach will be celebrated according to the Gregorian calendar on the following dates; 2023 – April 5-13^th ; 2024 – April 22 – 30^th ; 2025 – April 12 – 20^th ; 2026 – April 1 – 9^th ; 2027 – April 21 – 29^th.

Seder will be held the following nights according to the Gregorian calendar; 2023 – April 5 – 6^th ; 2024 – April 22 – 23^rd ; 2025 – April 12 – 13^th ; 2026 – April 1 – 2^nd ; 2027 – April 21 – 22^nd.

Overview

The Passover, also known as Pesach, is an important Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. The history of the Passover is rooted in the biblical account found in the Book of Exodus Chapter 12.

Etymology and Timing

Pesach in Hebrew means to ‘pass over’, ‘omit’ or ‘skip over’. This is in direct reference to when God passed over the homes of the Jews when killing the firstborn of Egypt.

The Passover is a time of remembrance and celebration for Jews worldwide. It is observed annually on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, which usually falls in March or April. The holiday is marked by a festive meal called the Seder, during which the story of the Exodus is retold through the Haggadah, a specific text in the Talmud, symbolic foods, prayers, and rituals.

Origin and History

According to the biblical narrative, the Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for several generations; the Bible describes a Pharaoh that did not know Joseph (Ex 1.8). The Pharaoh of Egypt refused to release the Hebrew people, despite the many plagues that were sent by God to persuade him (Exodus ch.11-13). The final and most devastating plague was the killing of the firstborns in every Egyptian household (Exodus 12.29-30).

To protect the Israelites from this plague, God commanded them to take a lamb, slaughter it, and mark their doorposts with its blood (Exodus 12.13-38). The Angel of Death would then pass over their homes, sparing their firstborns. This event became known as the “Passover,” as it marked the moment when God “passed over” the Israelite homes while carrying out the final plague.

Following this, the Pharaoh relented and allowed the Israelites to leave Egypt. They quickly prepared unleavened bread, as they did not have time for the dough to rise, and left in haste, known as the Exodus. They journeyed through the desert for 40 years before reaching the land that was promised to them by God, the land of Canaan, later known as Israel.

Pesach (Passover) is prominently featured in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Exodus. The story of Passover is recounted in Exodus chapters 1-15, describing the events leading up to and including the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

These accounts in Exodus form the basis for the historical and religious significance of Passover in Jewish tradition. The commemoration of Passover is seen as a celebration of freedom, the fulfillment of God’s promises, and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for liberation and justice.

Religious Beliefs & Ceremonies

The Passover is not only a historical commemoration but also holds significance in the Jewish faith as a symbol of liberation from oppression and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom. It is a time for families and communities to come together, reflect on their shared history, and pass on the traditions and teachings to future generations.

First removal of all chametz, leavened products, would be completed from the home before Passover begins. This includes foods made with wheat, barley, rye, oats, and spelt. They would clean the house thoroughly to remove any traces of chametz. Then, perform a ritual search for chametz called Bedikat Chametz on the evening before Passover.

Seder Feast

The Israelites are instructed to keep a seven-day feast called the Feast of Unleavened Bread, during which they eat unleavened bread and refrain from eating any leavened products. The Seder plate includes various symbolic foods, such as a lamb shankbone, representing the Passover sacrifice, bitter herbs , representing the bitterness of slavery, charoset, a sweet mixture representing the mortar used in building, and matzah, unleavened bread. The story of the Exodus is recited, and participants engage in discussions and songs that highlight the themes of liberation and freedom.

The Seder is a special ceremonial meal held on the first two nights of Passover (outside of Israel) and on the first night (in Israel). They would gather family and friends to participate in the Seder, then follow the order of the Seder as outlined in the Haggadah, a special text from the Talmud that guides the rituals and retelling of the Exodus story. Afterwards, symbolic foods are placed on the Seder plate, including matzah, bitter herbs, a roasted lamb shankbone, charoset, and a boiled egg. Finally, they would recite the blessings, read from the Haggadah, and engage in discussions about the Exodus story and its significance.

Eating of the Matzah, unleavened bread, is a central element of the Passover celebration. During the Seder, eating matzah was done to commemorate the haste in which the Israelites left Egypt, which did not allowing time for the bread to rise. Throughout the entire Passover week, avoid eating any chametz and consume only matzah and foods that are certified as kosher for Passover.

Chametz is prohibited during Passover. This includes bread, pasta, cookies, cakes, and other leavened products. They would ensure that all the ingredients used in meals and recipes are kosher for Passover, and use special Passover utensils and cookware or thoroughly clean and kasher (make kosher) regular utensils for Passover use.

Many Jewish communities hold special Passover services in synagogues. Attend synagogue services during Passover, including the recitation of the Hallel, Psalms of praise, and the reading of the Passover Torah portions. Passover is a time to reflect on the story of liberation from slavery and its universal message of freedom. Discuss the significance of freedom and its relevance to contemporary issues.

Significant Icons or Attributes

There are a number of key biblical accounts related to Passover that are important to understand. First the enslavement of the Israelites, the book of Exodus begins by describing how the Israelites, who had settled in Egypt during a time of famine, eventually became slaves under a new Pharaoh who feared their growing numbers.

Moses’ Call and the Ten Plagues; God chooses Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses confronts Pharaoh and requests the release of his people, then Pharaoh refuses, and God brings a series of ten devastating plagues upon Egypt as signs of His power and as attempts to persuade Pharaoh to free the Israelites. The tenth and final plague is the killing of the firstborns. This is the event that leads to the institution of Passover.

Institution of the Passover; In preparation for the final plague, God commands the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and use its blood to mark their doorposts. The blood serves as a sign, and when the Angel of Death sees it, it “passes over” the marked homes, sparing the Israelite firstborns from death. The Israelites are instructed to roast the lamb and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.

Exodus and the Feast of Unleavened Bread; Following the final plague, Pharaoh finally relents, and the Israelites are allowed to leave Egypt. They depart in such haste that they do not have time to let their bread rise. Instead, they eat unleavened bread, which becomes a symbol of their liberation. The Israelites cross the Red Sea miraculously, with Pharaoh’s pursuing army being drowned in the process. God commands the Israelites to commemorate the Passover every year as a perpetual observance to remember their deliverance from slavery.

Symbolic and Associated Foods

During Pesach (Passover), there are specific dietary restrictions and traditional foods that are associated with the holiday. These foods are chosen to adhere to the prohibition of chametz (leavened products) during Passover.

Matzah – is unleavened bread made from flour and water. It is a central element of the Passover celebration, representing the haste in which the Israelites left Egypt, not allowing time for their bread to rise. Matzah is eaten throughout Passover and often used in various dishes and as a substitute for bread.

Maror – refers to bitter herbs, typically horseradish or romaine lettuce, that are eaten during the Passover Seder. It symbolizes the bitterness of slavery endured by the Israelites in Egypt.

Charoset – is a sweet paste-like mixture made from chopped fruits, nuts, and spices, often resembling mortar used in construction. It symbolizes the mortar the Israelites used while they were slaves in Egypt. The ingredients can vary depending on cultural traditions, but common ingredients include apples, nuts, cinnamon, and wine.

Karpas – refers to a vegetable, typically parsley or celery, which is dipped in saltwater during the Passover Seder. It represents the springtime and rebirth.

Zeroa – is a roasted lamb shankbone, which symbolizes the Passover sacrifice in ancient times. Today, many people use a chicken neck or wing as a substitute.

Beitzah – is a roasted or hard-boiled egg that is often placed on the Seder plate. It represents the festival offering that was brought to the Temple in Jerusalem during biblical times.

Gefilte fish – is a traditional Jewish dish made from ground fish (usually whitefish, pike, or carp) mixed with matzah meal, eggs, and seasonings. It is often served as an appetizer during Passover.

Matzah Ball Soup – is a popular dish made with matzah meal and eggs, formed into balls and added to a flavorful chicken broth. It is a comforting and traditional Passover dish.

Tzimmes – is a sweet stew made with carrots, dried fruits, and sometimes sweet potatoes or honey. It is a flavorful and hearty dish commonly enjoyed during Passover.

References

Passover Dates in the Gregorian Calendar

Jewish Passover Step by Step – Chabad.Org