“Then they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it … The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.”
Passover, known as “Pesach” in Hebrew, is a significant Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
Understanding the customs, traditions, and significance of Passover can help members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints foster goodwill and respect for their Jewish friends and neighbors.
What is Passover?
- Significance: Passover, or Pesach, is derived from the Hebrew word for “paschal lamb.” It commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt and the miraculous event where God “passed over” the Israelites’ homes marked with lambs’ blood during the final plague.
- Observances: Passover is celebrated through a special ritual meal called a seder, which includes retelling the story of the Exodus, consuming symbolic foods, and reciting prayers. Jews refrain from eating leavened bread (chametz) and instead eat unleavened bread called matzah, symbolizing the haste with which the Israelites fled Egypt.
- Duration: Passover is observed for seven days by Jews in Israel and many progressive Jews outside Israel, while others observe it for eight days. The first and final days, known as “chag,” are considered holidays with no work performed, similar to Shabbat.
When is Passover Celebrated?
- Passover begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan. Due to the Hebrew calendar’s lunar nature, the dates of Passover vary each year but typically fall within March and April.
Greeting Your Jewish Neighbors
- Chag Sameach: Wish your Jewish friends a “Happy Holiday” with the greeting “Chag Sameach.”
- Chag Pesach Sameach: Specifically wish them a “Happy Passover” with the greeting “Chag Pesach Sameach.”
- Zissen Pesach: Use the Yiddish greeting “Zissen Pesach” to convey “sweet Passover.”
- Gut Yontif: Offer the Yiddish greeting “Gut Yontif,” meaning “Happy holiday,” to show your goodwill during Passover.
How to Be a Good Neighbor During Passover
- Respect Food Restrictions: Understand that many Jews abstain from consuming leavened bread and other leavened foods during Passover. Wait until after the holiday to bring food items or gifts to Jewish neighbors.
- Support Chametz Removal: Some Jewish families remove chametz from their homes before Passover. Consider purchasing or storing chametz items for your neighbors during the holiday.
- Attend a Seder: If invited, participate in a seder hosted by Jewish neighbors. It presents an excellent opportunity to learn about Jewish culture and traditions firsthand.
FAQs about Passover
- Eating Matzah: While matzah is a central element of Passover, Jews also eat other foods during the holiday.
- Drinking Wine: Traditionally, participants drink four cups of wine during the seder. However, grape juice is an acceptable alternative.
- Eating Leavened Food: While not required, it’s courteous to avoid eating leavened foods in front of Jewish friends during Passover.
- Supporting Jewish Neighbors: Recognize the importance of the first and final days of Passover for many Jews and schedule activities accordingly.