Celebrating Passover: Understanding The Traditions And Significance

Passover tells the story of the hardship the Jewish people faced in Egypt, and while not every part of the seder is happy, it's perfectly acceptable to send a loved one a message wishing them a "Happy Passover." This holiday is a time of reflection, remembrance, and joy among families and friends. As we delve deeper into the customs and practices associated with Passover, we can gain a better understanding of its historical significance and the values it imparts.

Passover begins at sundown on Saturday and serves as a remembrance and teaching of the persecution of the Jewish people and their exodus from Egypt. Those who observe it mark the holiday with two ceremonial dinners called "seders," designed to honor the suffering of the Jewish people while also celebrating freedom. The seder is a unique blend of storytelling, rituals, and delicious food that brings families together.

Unlike Yom Kippur, which is a somber holiday that takes place in the fall, wishing someone a "Happy Passover" is entirely appropriate. This celebration emphasizes life and liberation from enslavement. People often greet each other with "Happy Passover" or "Happy Pesach," as "Pesach" is the Hebrew term for Passover. Those looking to elevate their greetings may also say "chag same'ach," meaning happy festival, or "gut yom tov," which translates to good day.

Passover is traditionally a time to gather with family and friends; however, many seders may look different this year. People will choose to remain physically apart while still maintaining the essence of the seder. This year, the celebration and reflection on the shared history and culture remain paramount.

Seders are guided by a book called the Haggadah and typically begin with lighting candles. During the seder, prayers are recited over the candles, wine (known as the Kiddush), and symbolic foods like parsley, bitter herbs, and matzo. Each item on the seder plate carries deep meanings, reminding participants of the hardships faced by their ancestors.

During Passover, Jewish people eat matzo instead of leavened bread as a symbol of the haste with which they fled Egypt. Dipping parsley in saltwater serves as a poignant reminder of the tears shed during slavery, while the bitter herb, called maror, symbolizes the bitterness of their suffering. Other items on the seder plate include a lamb shank to represent the Paschal sacrifice, a roasted egg symbolizing the holiday offering, and charoset, which represents the mortar used by the Jewish slaves.

One of the more challenging aspects of virtual Passover celebrations is the hiding of the afikomen, a piece of matzo hidden at the beginning of the seder for children to find later. While searching for the afikomen is a beloved tradition, doing it virtually can feel less engaging compared to finding one hidden by someone else.

There's a general agreement on when Passover begins; however, its conclusion varies depending on geographical location and the sect of Judaism practiced. According to Biblical command, Passover lasts seven days, but it can extend to eight days in the Diaspora due to rabbinic tradition. In Israel, the holiday is observed for just seven days, while the rest of the world celebrates for eight days. So, depending on your observance, Passover will end at sundown on April 3 or April 4.