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What Is the Meaning of Passover?
Passover is one of the most important holidays in Judaism. During Passover, Jewish people commemorate the Exodus from Egypt and the liberation of the Israelites from slavery. The holiday begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan and usually falls in March or April. The name Passover refers to the story of the Tenth Plague of Egypt. According to the Bible, the homes of the Israelites were passed over when the firstborn sons in Egypt died. The Israelites had marked their doorposts with the blood of a lamb, as God had instructed them. They were then able to leave Egypt, beginning their journey to freedom. Passover therefore not only commemorates an event from the past, but also represents freedom, liberation and hope.
When Is Passover Celebrated?
Passover begins each year on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan. In Israel, the holiday lasts seven days. Outside Israel, Passover is traditionally celebrated for eight days in many traditional Jewish communities. In Israel, the first evening of Passover is the evening of the Seder. Outside Israel, a Seder is traditionally held on the first two evenings. The exact dates of Passover change each year in relation to our calendar because the Jewish calendar differs from the Gregorian calendar.
The Seder
One of the most important parts of Passover is the Seder. This is a special meal during which the story of the Exodus from Egypt is told and commemorated. During the Seder, the Haggadah is used. This book contains the texts, stories, prayers and instructions for the evening. Among other things, questions are asked, passages from the story of the Exodus are read, and traditional songs are sung. The food served during the Seder also has symbolic meaning. For example, matzah is eaten, and bitter herbs are used to remember the suffering of slavery and the liberation from Egypt.
Matzah and Avoiding Chametz
During Passover, matzah is eaten. Matzah is unleavened bread that has not been allowed to rise. This recalls the Exodus from Egypt, when the Israelites, according to the biblical story, had to leave so quickly that their dough did not have time to rise. In contrast, there is chametz. This refers to products made from grains such as wheat, barley, rye, oats or spelt that have come into contact with water and have risen or fermented. During Passover, chametz is traditionally not eaten, and many Jewish households take steps to remove it from their homes. For this reason, kitchens are often thoroughly cleaned before Passover, and food products and kitchen utensils are carefully checked and prepared for the holiday.
Bedikat Chametz – Searching for Chametz
A well-known tradition before Passover is bedikat chametz, the search for any remaining chametz. Jewish families thoroughly clean their homes and check places where food may be found. Any chametz that is discovered is then removed. The cleaning therefore has not only a practical purpose, but also serves as a preparation for the holiday. For many people, it is a meaningful opportunity to prepare not only their homes, but also themselves for Passover and to reflect on the meaning of freedom and liberation.
Celebrating Passover with Family and Community
Passover is celebrated by Jewish people around the world and is closely associated with family, friends and the Jewish community. The Seder is often celebrated at home with family and friends. Family members gather around a beautifully set table and take the time to tell the story of the Exodus, eat, drink and sing together. Jewish communities also organize communal Seders. This means that Passover can be more than a family celebration: it can also be a time when people feel connected to the wider Jewish community.
Passover in Israel
In Israel, Passover has a special place in everyday life. Schools are closed, families come together, and many people travel around the country during the holiday period to visit family and friends. Because Passover lasts seven days in Israel, the Seder is traditionally held on one evening. This differs from the traditional observance outside Israel, where two Seder evenings are often held. As a native-born Israeli, Nati knows the special atmosphere of Passover in Israel from personal experience. For him, it is a time when family, tradition and the story of Jewish history come strongly together.
A Time for Freedom and Reflection
Passover is about more than simply commemorating the Exodus from Egypt. The holiday also invites people to reflect on the meaning of freedom. During the Seder, the story of what happened in the past is not only told. It is experienced and passed on to the next generation again and again. In this way, the memory of liberation remains an important part of Jewish life. Passover can therefore also be a time to reflect on personal freedom, gratitude and the freedom of others.
In Summary
Passover is an important Jewish holiday commemorating the Exodus from Egypt and the liberation of the Israelites from slavery. The holiday is centered around freedom, remembrance, family and tradition. The Seder, the Haggadah, eating matzah and avoiding chametz are important parts of Passover. Through these traditions, the story of the Exodus is retold and passed on to a new generation every year. In Israel, Passover is celebrated for seven days and holds a special place in Jewish and Israeli life. For Jewish people around the world, Passover remains an important time to reflect on freedom, history and the strength of tradition.
As a native-born Israeli, Nati is happy to tell you more about Passover, the traditions surrounding this special holiday, and how Passover is celebrated in Israel.
For at home
You can also bring the traditions and flavors of Passover into your own home. Aviv Gluten-Free Matzo 300 gram is a great choice for those who want to enjoy matzo during Passover without gluten. This matzo is specially suited for Passover and can also be enjoyed throughout the year.
Yehouda Matzo Whole Wheat 300g is kosher for Passover and made with whole wheat flour. This delicious, crispy matzo is a wonderful addition to a traditional Passover meal.
Charoset: Date-Apple Spread is another traditional part of the Passover meal. This smooth spread made from dates and apples with cinnamon is known as charoset in Hebrew and is traditionally served during the Seder. The product is kosher for Passover.
For a traditional soup during Passover, Matzo Ball Mix 142g – Kneidlech is an easy choice. With this mix, you can make delicious homemade matzo balls, also known as kneidlech.
