What is Passover? All you need to know.
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Passover: A Guide to Traditions, Foods, and Halachic Observance
Passover (Pesach) is one of the most significant holidays in the Jewish calendar, celebrating the Israelites’ liberation from Egyptian slavery. This eight-day festival (seven in Israel) is marked by special customs, dietary laws, and the famous Seder meal. Whether you’re preparing for your first Passover or need a refresher, this guide will walk you through the essential traditions, foods, and how to properly observe the holiday according to Jewish law (Halacha).
The Meaning of Passover
Passover commemorates the Exodus, when Hashem (G-d) freed the Jewish people from Egypt with miracles and wonders. The holiday begins on the 15th of Nissan and lasts for eight days (seven in Israel). During this time, we avoid chametz (leavened products) and eat matzah to remember our ancestors’ hurried departure from Egypt.
Getting Ready for Passover
Preparation for Passover begins well before the holiday starts. Here’s what needs to be done:
Cleaning the House: All chametz (leavened food) must be removed from the home. This includes bread, pasta, cereal, and anything else made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt that has risen.
Selling Chametz: Since owning chametz is forbidden during Passover, many people sell their chametz through a rabbi, who arranges the sale to a non-Jew.
Kashering the Kitchen: Many families kosher their kitchen by thoroughly cleaning all surfaces, changing dishware, and using special Passover utensils.
Buying Kosher for Passover Products: Foods with a special “Kosher for Passover” certification ensure they contain no chametz.
The Seder Plate and Its Meaning
The Seder is the highlight of Passover, celebrated on the first two nights (only the first night in Israel). The table is set with a special Seder plate containing symbolic foods:
Maror (Bitter Herbs) – Represents the bitterness of slavery.
Charoset – A sweet mixture of apples, nuts, wine, and spices, symbolizing the mortar used by the Israelite slaves.
Karpas (Vegetable, often parsley or celery) – Dipped in saltwater to represent the tears of the enslaved Jews.
Zeroa (Shank Bone) – A roasted bone symbolizing the Paschal lamb sacrifice.
Beitzah (Egg) – A roasted egg symbolizing mourning and the cycle of life.
Chazeret (Second Bitter Herb, often Romaine Lettuce) – Used in the Hillel sandwich.
Additionally, three matzot (unleavened bread) are placed on the table, representing the Kohen, Levi, and Yisrael, and to break for the Afikoman.
How to Conduct a Seder
The Passover Seder follows a specific order, as outlined in the Haggadah (the book that guides the Seder). The 15 steps of the Seder include:
Kadesh – Reciting Kiddush over wine.
Urchatz – Washing hands without a blessing.
Karpas – Dipping a vegetable in saltwater.
Yachatz – Breaking the middle matzah and hiding the Afikoman.
Maggid – Telling the Exodus story.
Rachtzah – Washing hands with a blessing before the meal.
Motzi Matzah – Eating the matzah.
Maror – Eating the bitter herbs.
Korech – Eating the Hillel sandwich (matzah and maror together).
Shulchan Orech – Eating the festive meal.
Tzafun – Eating the Afikoman.
Barech – Reciting Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals).
Hallel – Reciting praises to Hashem.
Nirtzah – Concluding the Seder with prayers for redemption.
What to Eat on Passover
Passover food must be free from chametz. Here’s what you can eat:
Matzah: The unleavened bread central to Passover.
Fruits and Vegetables: Must be checked for insects.
Meat and Fish: Must be kosher and certified for Passover.
Eggs and Dairy: Permitted if certified kosher for Passover.
Kosher for Passover Products: Specially certified processed foods.
Foods that are typically avoided include:
Chametz: Any leavened grain products.
Kitniyot: Certain legumes (like rice, beans, and corn) are traditionally avoided by Ashkenazi Jews, but Sephardic Jews often eat them.
Blessings and Halachic Observance
To properly observe Passover, certain blessings and prayers must be recited:
Kiddush (Sanctification of the Holiday): Recited over wine at the beginning of the Seder.
Hamotzi (Blessing over Matzah): Said before eating matzah.
Al Achilat Maror (Blessing over Bitter Herbs): Recited before eating maror.
Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals): Said after the festive meal.
Hallel (Psalms of Praise): Recited during the Seder.
Additionally, during the holiday:
Morning and evening prayers include the special festival Amidah.
The counting of the Omer begins on the second night of Passover.
Yizkor (memorial prayer) is recited on the last day of Passover in many communities.
Other Passover Traditions
The Four Cups of Wine: Each person drinks four cups of wine during the Seder, symbolizing the four expressions of redemption in the Torah.
Elijah’s Cup: A cup of wine is poured for the prophet Elijah, who is believed to visit every Seder.
The Afikoman: The hidden piece of matzah must be found and eaten at the end of the meal, symbolizing the Paschal lamb.
Singing Passover Songs: Songs like “Dayenu” and “Chad Gadya” add joy to the Seder.
Conclusion
Passover is a time for family, reflection, and gratitude. By following these traditions, preparing properly, and observing Halacha, we not only remember our past but strengthen our faith and connection to Hashem. May your Passover be meaningful, kosher, and joyous – Chag Pesach Sameach!