This year, Passover begins April 3 and ends on April 11. Passover is a celebration that commemorates the Jewish peoples’ liberation by God from slavery in Egypt and their freedom as a nation under the leadership of Moses. It commemorates the story of the Exodus as described in the Hebrew Bible in which the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt. According to standard biblical chronology, this event would have taken place at about 130 BCE. The holiday lasts for about 7 or 8 days.
Passover celebrations commence with the Passover Seder which is a big feast. Seder customs include telling the story, discussing the story, drinking four cups of wine, and eating matzo. Some of the traditional foods you will find on the Passover Seder Plate are charoset, karpas, z’roa, and beitzah.
Passover is an excellent time to show your visitor some new traditions! There are many elements to the Seder, including the breaking of the matzo, the telling of the story, the multiple washings, and blessings over particular elements of the Passover Seder Plate. Learn more about these steps here.
If you would like to participate in a public Passover Seder in the Boston area, you can find a list here. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about this ancient Jewish holiday, or celebrate your heritage with a new friend! Let us know how you like to celebrate Passover!
