Learn About Pesach

Background

Pesach begins on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Nissan. It is the first of the three major festivals with both historical and agricultural significance. The primary observances of Pesach are related to the Exodus from Egypt after generations of slavery.

The name "Pesach" comes from the Hebrew root meaning to pass through, to pass over, to exempt or to spare. It refers to the fact that G-d "passed over" the houses of the Jews when He was slaying the firstborn of Egypt.

Pesach Laws and Customs

Probably the most significant observance related to Pesach involves the removal of chametz from our homes. This commemorates the fact that the Jews leaving Egypt were in a hurry, and did not have time to let their bread rise.

Chametz includes anything made from the five major grains (wheat, rye, barley, oats and spelt) that has not been completely cooked within 18 minutes after coming into contact with water. Orthodox Jews of Ashkenazic background also avoid rice, corn, peanuts, and legumes as if they were chametz.

Matzah

The grain product we eat during Pesach is called matzah — unleavened bread, made simply from flour and water and cooked very quickly. This is the bread that the Jews made for their flight from Egypt.

Seder

On the first night of Pesach (first two nights for traditional Jews outside Israel), we have a special family meal filled with ritual to remind us of the significance of the holiday. This meal is called a seder, from a Hebrew root word meaning "order."

Pesach lasts for seven days (eight days outside of Israel). The first and last days of the holiday are days on which no work is permitted.