Passover

Passover, known as Pesach in Hebrew, is a significant observance in the Jewish calendar, marking the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage as recounted in the Book of Exodus. In essence, this commemoration stands as a symbol of freedom, serving as a call to reflect upon the significance of liberation, both historical and contemporary. The main aspects of the observance involve the seder meal, the elimination of chametz (leavened foods), and the saying of specific prayers, each element steeped in rich symbolism and traditional meaning.

The origins of Passover trace back to biblical times, when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt. According to the Exodus story, God inflicted ten plagues upon the Egyptians, the last of which killed their firstborn. However, homes of the Israelites were "passed over", hence the name Passover. In Israel today, this observance connects its people to their history, fostering a deeper understanding of their collective identity, their ancestors' struggles, and the cost of freedom.

In Israel, the observance of Passover begins with an intensive cleaning of homes to rid them of any chametz. This is followed by the traditional Seder meal on the first night, which involves the recitation of the Haggadah, a narration of the Exodus story. Consuming matzah (unleavened bread), symbolising the haste in which the Israelites left Egypt, is also a key practice. In Israel, Passover is observed for seven days, beginning on the 15th day of Nisan in the Jewish calendar, which typically falls in March or April in the Gregorian calendar. Among the last countries to see the sunset, the commencement of Passover in Israel often trails behind its start in many other locations across the globe.