Passover, known in Hebrew as Pesach, stands as one of the most profoundly significant and widely observed festivals within the Jewish religion. More than just a holiday, it is a foundational commemoration that echoes through millennia, celebrating the dramatic liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt, a pivotal moment of redemption and the birth of a nation. The very name "Pesach" encapsulates this core narrative, referring to the divine act of "passing over" the homes of the Israelites during the final plague upon Egypt, an event that directly led to their exodus to freedom.

Timing and Duration of Passover

This momentous celebration traditionally commences on the evening of the 14th day of Nisan. Nisan is the first month of the ecclesiastical year in the Hebrew calendar, which is a lunisolar calendar, meaning its months are based on the cycles of the moon, while its years are aligned with the solar year. As such, Passover typically falls in the spring, often coinciding with March or April in the Gregorian calendar, a time when nature itself awakens, symbolizing renewal and new beginnings.

The duration of Passover varies geographically, reflecting ancient calendrical practices and communal unity. Within the Land of Israel, the festival is observed for seven days, directly aligning with the biblical commandment found in the Torah. However, in the Jewish Diaspora – the vast communities of Jews residing outside of Israel – the festival is traditionally celebrated for eight days. This additional day in the Diaspora historically accounts for uncertainties in calendar calculations during ancient times, when news of the new moon's sighting in Jerusalem took time to reach distant communities. Adding an extra day ensured that the festival was observed at the correct time, regardless of any delay in communication, a practice that continues to foster a sense of shared heritage across the globe.

Central to Passover observance are profound rituals that vividly retell the Exodus narrative, fostering a deep connection to history and faith. The highlight is undoubtedly the Seder, a highly symbolic communal meal held on the first (and often second in the Diaspora) night of the festival. During the Seder, specific foods such as unleavened bread (matzah), bitter herbs (maror), and charoset (a sweet mixture symbolizing the mortar used by slaves) are consumed, each carrying deep historical and spiritual meaning. The complete avoidance of leavened products (chametz) throughout the entire eight-day period is another central tenet, symbolizing the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, without time for their bread to rise, a constant reminder of their miraculous liberation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Passover

What is the primary significance of Passover?

Passover, or Pesach, primarily commemorates the liberation of the ancient Israelites from enslavement in Egypt, as vividly recounted in the biblical Book of Exodus. It is fundamentally a festival of freedom, redemption, and the foundational moment when the Jewish people were forged as a nation.

Why is Passover also called Pesach?

The name "Pesach" (Passover) specifically refers to the tenth and final plague that afflicted Egypt: the slaying of the firstborn. God "passed over" the houses of the Israelites, sparing their firstborn sons, while bringing affliction upon the firstborn of the Egyptians. This act of divine protection and distinction directly led to the Pharaoh finally allowing the Israelites to depart.

Why does Passover last longer in the Diaspora than in Israel?

Historically, the precise start of each Jewish month, and thus festivals, was determined by the sighting of the new moon in Jerusalem. To ensure that communities far from Jerusalem observed festivals on the correct day, an extra day was added to certain holidays, including Passover. This ancient tradition persists today, ensuring that communities worldwide observe the festival with continuity and respect for heritage, even with modern calendar calculations.

What is Nisan in the context of Passover?

Nisan is the first month of the ecclesiastical year in the Hebrew calendar, which is a lunisolar calendar. Passover begins on the evening of the 14th day of Nisan. This month typically corresponds to March or April in the Gregorian calendar, signifying a time of spring, renewal, and liberation.