Passover Supplies

Passover, known in Hebrew as "Pesach," is a major Jewish festival that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. The story of Passover is primarily recounted in the biblical book of Exodus. The holiday is observed for seven or eight days, depending on the traditions followed.

The central theme of Passover is the Exodus narrative. The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt under the rule of Pharaoh. Moses, chosen by God, led the Israelites out of Egypt after a series of plagues were inflicted upon the Egyptians.

The name "Passover" refers to the final plague that led to the Israelites' freedom. God instructed the Israelites to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb so that the angel of death would "pass over" their homes, sparing their firstborns. Following the Passover plague, Pharaoh allowed the Israelites to leave Egypt. They crossed the Red Sea, miraculously parting the waters, and began their journey to Mount Sinai.

During the Passover holiday, Jewish families gather for a special meal called the Passover seder. The seder is a ritualistic and symbolic meal that involves the retelling of the Exodus story, the consumption of specific symbolic foods (as seen on the seder plate), and the recitation of prayers and blessings.

Throughout Passover, observant Jews refrain from eating leavened bread (chametz) and instead consume unleavened bread called matzah. The prohibition of chametz symbolizes the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, as they did not have time for their bread to rise.

Passover is not only a historical commemoration but also a time for reflection on themes of freedom, liberation, and the responsibility to pursue justice and righteousness.

The holiday of Pesach, or Passover, falls on the Hebrew calendar dates of Nissan 15-22. Pesach 2024 begins before sundown on Monday, April 22, 2024, and ends after sundown on April 30, 2024.