Passover: the Jewish festival of freedom

In short: Passover (Pesach) commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as told in the biblical Book of Exodus. It is one of the most important festivals in Judaism and is celebrated above all within the family.

In more detail: Passover begins on the 15th day of the month of Nisan in the Jewish calendar and therefore falls in March or April. It lasts seven days in Israel and eight days in many communities outside Israel.

In detail

• The Seder night: On the first evening, and in many families outside Israel on the second as well, the family gathers for a festive meal that follows a fixed order; Seder means order.
• The Haggadah: From this book the story of the Exodus is read aloud at the Seder, with prayers, songs and explanations.
• Four questions: Traditionally the youngest child asks why this night is different from all other nights, and the adults tell the story in reply.
• The Seder plate: It holds symbolic foods, such as bitter herbs for the bitterness of slavery and a sweet mixture of fruit and nuts that recalls the clay used for bricks.
• Matzah: Unleavened bread is eaten throughout the festival because, according to the story, the Israelites left in such haste that the dough had no time to rise.
• No leaven: Before the festival the home is thoroughly cleared of leavened grain products, in Hebrew chametz.
• Four cups: Four cups of wine or grape juice are drunk at the Seder, standing for promises of liberation.
• Afikoman: A piece of matzah is hidden; children look for it and often receive a small reward.
• Meaning today: Passover stands for freedom and remembrance across generations; in timing and content it is connected with the Christian festival of Easter (ostern-braeuche-und-bedeutung, chanukka-lichterfest).