Passover, or Pesach as it’s known in Hebrew (pronounced PAY-sokh), is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in Judaism. It’s a time of remembrance, commemorating the ancient Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. This foundational story of exodus and redemption has profoundly shaped Jewish identity and values for over three millennia, emphasizing themes of freedom, compassion for the oppressed, and the courage to challenge tyranny.
The narrative of Passover traces back approximately 3,400 years. It begins with the descendants of Jacob, who sought refuge in Egypt from a severe famine in their homeland of Canaan, or ancient Israel. Initially welcomed, the Israelites prospered and grew in number. However, the tides turned when a new Pharaoh ascended the Egyptian throne. Fearing the expanding Israelite population, he subjected them to brutal slavery, a period of hardship that endured for 210 years.
Amidst this oppression, Moses emerged as a pivotal figure. Born an Israelite but raised in Pharaoh’s palace after surviving a decree of infanticide, Moses experienced both Egyptian and Israelite cultures. It was during his time in the desert that he encountered God in the form of a burning bush. This divine encounter charged Moses with a monumental mission: to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. Moses confronted Pharaoh, demanding the release of his people. This confrontation escalated into a dramatic clash between divine will and earthly power, symbolized by the Ten Plagues that afflicted Egypt. These plagues were intended to break Pharaoh’s resolve, representing the struggle against oppressive forces.
The culmination of these plagues was the tenth and final one, the death of the firstborn. It was on this night that God “passed over” the homes of the Israelites, sparing them from the devastation, hence the name of the festival. Finally, facing immense pressure after this last plague, Pharaoh conceded and allowed the Israelites to leave. However, his change of heart was short-lived, and the Egyptian army pursued the departing Israelites. At the edge of the Red Sea, in a moment of divine intervention symbolized by Moses raising his arm, the waters parted, allowing the Israelites to escape on dry land while engulfing the pursuing Egyptian forces. This miraculous crossing marked the definitive break from slavery and the beginning of their journey to freedom. Because of their hasty departure from Egypt, the Israelites did not have time for their bread to rise. This historical circumstance gave rise to matzah, unleavened bread, which became a central symbol of Passover, representing both the hardship of slavery and the urgency of liberation.
Today, for Jewish people around the world, Passover is more than just a historical recounting. It is a living story that continues to resonate with contemporary values. While interpretations of the Exodus narrative may evolve over time, its core message of liberation and the pursuit of justice remains powerfully relevant. Passover is typically celebrated with a Seder, a ritual meal filled with symbolic foods, stories, and traditions that bring the Exodus narrative to life, fostering reflection and connection to this pivotal event in Jewish history. It serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom and the importance of remembering and learning from the past.
