what is passover in judaism

Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, is a major Jewish holiday that celebrates the biblical story of the Israelites escape from slavery in Egypt. It is one of the three pilgrimage festivals and is celebrated for seven days in Israel and for eight days among the Jewish diaspora. Passover begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, which is considered the first month of the Hebrew year. During Passover, all leaven, whether in bread or other mixture, is prohibited, and only unleavened bread, called matzo, may be eaten. The matzo symbolizes both the Hebrews’ suffering while in bondage and the haste with which they left Egypt in the course of the Exodus. Passover is often celebrated with great pomp and ceremony, especially on the first night, when a special family meal called the seder is held. At the seder, foods of symbolic significance commemorating the Hebrews’ liberation are eaten, and prayers and traditional recitations are performed. The holiday of Passover is perhaps one of the most central to Jewish life and history.