Passover, also known as Pesach in Hebrew, is a significant Jewish festival that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian enslavement as narrated in the Old Testament’s Book of Exodus. In Israel, Passover begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, which generally falls in late March or early April. The family-oriented holiday commences with a ritual meal called Seder on the first night, and the first day is marked by a holiday after the Seder. Though an ancient festival, Passover resonates deeply within Jewish communities worldwide for its reflection of hardship, deliverance, and freedom.
The first day of Passover is a day off in Israel and is significant for its special customs and rituals. Households are cleansed of leavened bread called chametz, representing the haste in which the Israelites left Egypt, leaving no time for their dough to rise. Matzah, essentially unleavened bread, is eaten instead during the entire eight-day festival. The Seder meal on the first night is a key ritual, involving storytelling, song, symbolic foods, and special prayers. The evening’s primary purpose is to pass down the story of the Exodus to younger generations, making it a deeply educational and spiritual experience.
Moreover, the first day of Passover in Israel is observed with various religious services. Synagogues hold special readings, where the Passover story is told and reflected upon. Many people also choose this day to give to charity, further driving home the holiday’s focus on empathy, understanding, and human connection. The commemoration of this ancient story of redemption serves as a poignant reminder of Jewish ancestry and heritage.