Passover 5769 begins Wednesday Night, April 8th, 2009.
The Jewish holiday of Passover - or Pesach in Hebrew - commemorates the exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt well over 3000 years ago. After suffering enslavement by the Egyptians for 210 years, the Jews were lead out of the country en masse. Eventually, G-d brought His chosen people to Mount Sinai, where they heard the Ten Commandments and lovingly accepted the Torah. On Pesach, we celebrate our freedom from Pharaoh and subsequent commitment to G-d.
Egypt
Moses, who was raised by Pharaoh's daughter in the king's palace, together with his brother Aharon were selected by G-d to represent Himself and the Jewish people. Initially, Pharaoh is asked to voluntarily allow the Jewish people to partake in a three day pilgrimage. Moses informed the Egyptian monarch that G-d desired for the entire Jewish people - men, women and children - to celebrate festivities with sacrificial offering. The king was warned of the consequences of refusal, but stubbornly refuses anyway.
The Ten Plagues
Leading up to the unprecedented exodus of the Jews, ten plagues - 'makos' in Hebrew - afflicted Pharaoh's nation.
- Blood (Dam)
- Frogs (Tzefarday'a)
- Lice (Kinim)
- Beasts (Arov)
- Livestock Disease (Dever)
- Boils (Shechin)
- Hail (Barad)
- Locusts (Arbeh)
- Darkness (Choshech)
- Death of the Firstborn (Makas Bechoros)
The Exodus
The final plague in Egypt - death of the firstborn - was the beginning of the actual exodus for the Jewish people. As G-d's retribution against Egypt continued untamed, the birth of the Jewish nation gave stark contrast to the ills of the once powerful Egyptian population. Eventually, a downtrodden Pharaoh begged Moses and the Jews to leave his country.
Commemorating Passover (Pesach)
Passover is celebrated annually for eight days, beginning on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan. During the first two nights, Jews gather with family and friends to partake in the Pesach Seder - a ceremonial meal. The theme of the Seder revolves around the discussion of the Exodus, the miracles leading up to the redemption and the subsequent acceptance of the Torah at Mount Sinai. A guide to the story of the Exodus, known as the Haggadah, is used by attendees to relive the miracles in unison. The Matazha, a Seder Plate containing six symbolic foods, and Four Cups of Wine are all central components the Passover Seder.
Laws & Customs
There are many laws particular to Passover. Most widely known is the commandment to refrain from owning or eating chametz (leaven, including common bread). Instead of leavened bread, the Jewish people's hasty exodus from Egypt is commemorated by eating matza - unleavened bread that resembles crackers - similar to the bread of the exiting Jews, which didn't have time to rise.
Additional Resources
Some of our Pesach Bestsellers
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MATZAH HOLDER 510H Item #: DALP510H |
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SHALOM SESAME PASSOVER Item #: V-13052 |
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