Passover

Jewish holiday · ancient history · freedom

Remembering a miracle. Passover celebrates the story of how Moses led the Israelites to freedom from slavery in Egypt thousands of years ago. Jewish families retell this amazing story every year during the holiday.

Unleavened bread rules. During Passover, Jewish people don't eat regular bread because it contains yeast and rises up. Instead, they eat matzo, which is flat bread made without yeast, to remember how the Israelites left Egypt so quickly they didn't have time for bread to rise.

The Seder feast. Families gather for a special meal called the Seder where they eat symbolic foods like bitter herbs, sweet charoset, and roasted eggs. Each food tells part of the story of freedom and reminds people of the hardships of slavery.

Plagues and protection. The story tells of ten terrible plagues that struck Egypt, but the Israelites' homes were protected. This is why the holiday is called Passover, because God's power passed over the homes of the Israelites and kept them safe.

Eight days of celebration. Passover lasts eight days and brings families and communities together with special meals, prayers, and stories passed down through generations.