What Is Passover?

Passover (Pesach) is the festival of freedom, commemorating the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian slavery. For eight days (seven in Israel), Jews retell the Exodus story, eat matzah (unleavened bread), and celebrate the foundational narrative of Jewish identity.

The Biblical Story

וַעֲבַרְתִּי בְאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם בַּלַּיְלָה הַזֶּה... וּפָסַחְתִּי עֲלֵכֶם

Translation: I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night... and I will pass over you. (Exodus 12:12-13)

The Israelites left Egypt in such haste that their bread had no time to rise—thus the prohibition against chametz (leavened products) and the eating of matzah.

Preparation

Removing Chametz

Before Passover, all leavened food is removed from the home. This involves thorough cleaning and a ceremonial search (bedikat chametz) on the night before Passover.

Selling Chametz

Chametz that cannot be disposed of is sold to a non-Jew through a rabbi, then repurchased after the holiday.

Kashering the Kitchen

Many families have separate Passover dishes and utensils. Regular dishes must be either stored away or specially prepared for Passover use.

The Seder

The Passover seder—an elaborate ritual meal on the first night(s)—is the central observance. Using the Haggadah as a guide, families retell the Exodus through story, song, questions, and symbolic foods.

The Four Questions

(What makes this night different?)—four questions highlighting Passover's unique practices. This fulfills the Torah's command to tell our children about the Exodus.

Matzah and Maror

Matzah

—recalling both slavery's deprivation and liberation's haste.

Maror (Bitter Herbs)

Reminding us of the bitterness of slavery.

The Theme of Freedom

The Exodus becomes a paradigm for all liberation—personal, communal, and universal.