Passover, also known as Pesach, is one of the most important Jewish holidays. It commemorates the Israelites’ freedom from slavery in Egypt. Here are ten interesting things you might not have known about Passover.
1. Origins and Meaning
The story of the Exodus in the Bible is where Passover comes from. God “passed over” the homes of the Israelites during the tenth plague in Egypt, saving their firstborn children but killing the Egyptians’ firstborn children. This is where the word “Passover” comes from. An enslaver no longer bound the Israelites.
2. The Seder Plate
The Seder meal, which includes the Seder plate, is an integral part of Passover. Along with maror (bitter herbs), charoset (a sweet paste), karpas (a vegetable), z’roa (a shank bone), and beitzah (an egg), this plate has six things that represent different things. Each thing stands for a different part of the story of the Exodus.
3. Matzo’s Significance
During Passover, people ate matzo and unleavened bread to remember how quickly the Israelites left Egypt. They didn’t have time for the bread to rise, so they baked it flat. Matzo reminds them of how they suffered and how they were saved.
4. Four Cups of Wine
Everyone drinks four cups of wine at the Seder. These are the four ways that God promises to save people in the Torah: “I will bring you out,” “I will rescue you,” “I will redeem you,” and “I will take you.”
5. Elijah’s Cup
For the prophet Elijah, a fifth cup of wine is set away as a sign of hope and future redemption. It stays the same during the Seder, which shows that people believe Elijah will come as a sign of the Messiah.
6. Afikoman Tradition
Afikoman is a piece of matzo set aside during the Seder. It is customary for children to hide it and then find it. This tradition is both a game and a way to keep kids interested in the Seder and ensure they stay awake until the end of the meal.
7. Special Dietary Laws
Jews followed a strict diet during Passover that didn’t allow leavened bread, anything made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spells in the water for more than 18 minutes. In line with the custom of eating unleavened bread, this ensured nothing rose.
8. The Counting of the Omer
The 49 days before Shavuot are called the Counting of the Omer. They start on Passover. This count links the freedom of Passover to the giving of the Torah on Shavuot, which stands for spiritual growth and readiness.
9. Haggadah’s Role
The Haggadah is the book read at the Seder. It contains songs, prayers, and the story of the Exodus. Over many centuries, the Haggadah has been changed and interpreted in ways that show how different Jewish groups worldwide have different histories and cultures.
10. Global Celebrations
Around the world, Jews enjoy Passover in unique ways. Sephardic Jews often eat meals with beans and rice, but Ashkenazi Jews don’t. Beta Israel, the name for Ethiopian Jews, celebrates Sigd 50 days before Passover to remember their own escape.
Final Thoughts
Passover is an important holiday with many parts, traditions, and historical meanings. By investigating these lesser-known facts, we can better understand their lasting impact and the profound lessons they teach.
