Passover

What is Passover and Why Does It Matter?

Passover, also known as Pesach, is a major Jewish holiday that commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. But how did this ancient tradition come to be? And what does it mean for us today? Let’s dive into the rich history and significance of Passover.

The Origins of Passover

According to the Book of Exodus, God commanded Moses to tell the Israelites to slaughter a lamb and mark their doorframes with its blood so that the Angel of Death would pass over their homes during the tenth plague. This event is central to the story of Passover, but scholars believe that the origins of this holiday predate the biblical account.

Some theories suggest that Passover may have evolved from earlier rituals, such as apotropaic rites to protect family homes from demonic forces or merging with Canaanite agricultural festivals celebrating spring and the barley harvest. The Akitu spring festival in ancient Mesopotamia also shares some similarities with Passover.

The Story of Exodus

In the Book of Exodus, we find the story of how God appeared to Moses and commanded him to confront Pharaoh about freeing the Israelites from slavery. Ten plagues were inflicted on Egypt, culminating in the death of the firstborn. The Israelites were instructed to mark their doorframes with lamb’s blood so that the Angel of Death would pass over them.

The Passover Seder, a traditional dinner held on the first night (or two nights for Orthodox and Conservative communities outside Israel), retells this story through reading the Haggadah. The Seder includes 15 parts, such as washing hands, eating maror (bitter herbs), and reciting Kiddush.

Key Rituals of Passover

The main ritual during Passover is removing all leavened bread from one’s home to symbolize the Israelites’ hasty departure from Egypt. This practice, known as chametz, involves searching for and destroying any remaining leaven on the night before Passover.

Another key element of Passover is the eating of matzah, an unleavened flatbread made solely from flour and water. Matzah represents the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt without time to let their bread rise. The seder plate includes various symbolic foods like maror (bitter herbs), karpas (a vegetable dipped in saltwater), and z’roa (a roasted shank bone).

The Seder Experience

During the Passover seder, families gather with fine china and silverware to retell the story of the Exodus. The meal consists of 15 parts, including reciting Kiddush, washing hands, eating maror, and reciting Hallel. Children play an important role in the seder by asking questions about the symbols on the seder plate.

The afikoman, a broken piece of matzah hidden during the meal, engages children’s interest and often serves as a prize for their participation. The seder concludes with songs of praise and faith, including Chad Gadya, which tells the story of a little goat who was killed by a cat.

Counting the Omer

The Passover seder marks the beginning of the Counting of the Omer, a period of 49 days leading up to Shavuot. This counting connects Passover with Shavuot, symbolizing the transition from physical freedom to spiritual freedom.

Passover in Different Communities

The traditions and customs surrounding Passover vary among different Jewish communities. Ashkenazi Jews often use matzah brei (softened matzo fried with egg) and gefilte fish, while Sephardi Jews enjoy kafteikas di prasa (fried balls made of leeks, meat, and matzah meal).

Passover is also celebrated in other religions, such as African-American spirituals, Saint Thomas Syrian Christians’ Pesaha, Samaritan religion’s own Passover holiday, Karaite Judaism, Christianity’s Easter (with a false etymological association), and Islam’s Ashura.

The Ecological Significance of Passover

Passover has ecological links as well. The plagues of Egypt can be seen as early warnings about the consequences of environmental neglect. Today, many Jews use this holiday to reflect on their impact on the environment and find ways to live more sustainably.

The Future of Passover

As we continue to celebrate Passover, it’s important to remember its original purpose: to remind us of our ancestors’ struggle for freedom. By keeping these traditions alive, we honor their memory and ensure that the lessons of the Exodus are not forgotten.

Passover is more than just a holiday; it’s a powerful reminder of the importance of freedom, family, and community. As we gather around the seder table this year, let us remember the lessons of the past and work towards a brighter future for all.