Passover

Passover Facts

• Traditionally, in accordance with Biblical Law, all Orthodox Jews remove all leaven bread, cakes, and flour-containing or flour-derived products from their homes in the weeks leading up to Passover. These products include beer, whiskey, flour, and all patisserie produces. Any products remaining on the Eve of Passover are given away to non-Jews, sold, or burnt.
• On Passover, Jews are to eat only unleavened bread (Matzah), baked from flour and water and prepared (mixed and baked) within eighteen minutes. Unleavened bread symbolizes Israelites leaving Egypt in such haste they could not wait for their bread dough to rise.
• On the first day of Passover it is customary to hold a Seder Night celebration with family and friends. During this celebration, the Haggadah typically read and sang. The Haggadah includes telling the story of fleeing of the Israelite slaves from Egypt, the fact that their dough could not rise due to the hurried exit, blessings over Matzah, and songs of praise and happiness.
• Traditionally, for Seder, a plate is prepared containing the following: an egg - symbolizing the Chagigah sacrifice; a shankbone, symbolizing Passover Lamb; salt water, symbolizing the tears of the Israelite slaves; a bitter herb, symbolizing the bitterness of enslavement; charoset (a mixture of ground apple, cinnamon, wine and sugar) signifying the cement used in the building works; a vegetable to be dipped in the salt water.
• The first and seventh days of Passover are considered festivals in which work is not permitted. The intermediate days are Chol Hamoed in which families typically go on hikes and tours, or visit friends.

In the News and Trending for Passover

Passover Top Events and Things to Do

• Attend a Seder dinner or learn how to make your own Seder.
• Make Matzah. You can watch how to make matzah on youtube.
• Watch a movie that depicts Passover. Our picks: The Ten Commandments (1956) and The Prince of Egypt (1998).