Passover

In this article, Alexius goes on to explain the origins and festivites of the Jewish holiday Passover.

Passover

By: Alexius Nyna Burnett

Passover is a major Jewish holiday that is used to annually celebrate the Israelites' freedom from slavery in Egypt-- a story that can be found in the second book of the Bible: Exodus. The festivities and customs last for approximately seven to eight days. During this time period, there are traditional meals, restrictions, and recited readings. It is a time to reflect on the journey from oppression to freedom and to support those dealing with marginalization.

Origins and backstory

In the thirteenth century B.C.E (the New Kingdom period), the pharaoh of Egypt had enslaved the Israelites. They had been living in Egypt for about four hundred years, and their population was overcrowded. The pharaoh was frightened of the idea that the Israelites would rebel against him, leading him to cause pain and sorrow for them. He forced them to partake in physical labor, building cities and structures without any remorse. As part of the Pharaoh's cruelty, he commanded all of the young Israelite boys to be thrown into the Nile River.

Photo of Israelites escaping from the Eygptian army through the Red Sea by: National Geography

This is when the story of the Passover all begins. The Israelites called out to God for help and, in return, he gave them Moses, an Israelite baby who was tossed in the river inside a basket, and was soon found by the pharaoh’s daughter, who kept him and raised him as her own. Later on in life, as Moses was tending his sheep, he saw a bush burning but not getting consumed by the flames. That was God, presenting himself to him. He had told Moses to ask the pharaoh to release the Israelites, but the pharaoh refused. In return, God sent down ten separate plagues upon Egypt. Every time the pharaoh declined to let go of the Israelites, God sent another plague. After more than enough chances of redemption, God knew the pharaoh had reached a point of no return to any means of good. On the website Bible Projects, which is solely for the purpose of helping people to better understand the Bible, it is stated that “it’s at that point that God takes over and bends Pharaoh’s evil to his own redemptive purposes. He lures Pharaoh into his own destruction and saves his people.” Before the last plague, God instructed the Israelites to carry out a ritual because, during the plague, every firstborn son would be wiped out. To avoid this issue, they would have to sacrifice a lamb and smear its blood over the doorframes of their houses to have the plague “pass over” their homes, keeping them safe and sound. Because of the plague and the pharaoh’s stubbornness, his son and other firstborn males died. This led to the Israelites being able to escape their enslavement. However, on their way out, the Pharaoh changed his mind and sent his army to slaughter them all by the Sea of Reed. This was when (according to the Torah), God split the “Red Sea”, allowing the Israelites to cross it and make it out alive. However, the Egyptian army was demolished, and the sea returned to its normal state when they encountered it.

traditions and customs

Photo of the Passover Seder by: Torah.com

Over the years, families have passed down many traditions and customs --old and new-- for this holiday. It is a time to learn about the Exodus and be grateful in life. One of the main parts of the celebration is the Seder meal, which takes place on the first (second if living outside of Israel) night of Passover. On the website Renewcure, Sneha Tete, a relationship and lifestyle writer, states how “A seder is fundamentally a religious service set around a dinner table, blending religious rituals, food, song, and storytelling into a memorable evening that brings families and friends together.” It is a fully structured practice that goes through 15 steps before enjoying the full meal. Those steps contain many blessings: washing hands, breaking matzah fast, vegetables, sandwiches, bitter herbs, hidden desserts, praisings, storytelling, and ending with hopes of, once again, celebrating the beloved holiday. Because of the many steps, the ritual could last for many long hours, as it is important to tell the story of the Exodus thoroughly. Additionally, the customs must be acted upon as told.

Another piece of the Seder is the main meal plate. This dish is full of symbolic food, representing the characteristics of the Passover and Exodus. There are also three pieces of Matzah (unleavened bread, etc.), salt water, and four wine glasses that each showcase the bread taken from the Israelites, as well as their tears,and, lastly, their freedom and comfort. In addition, pillows are placed on chairs to represent the leisure they felt once they escaped from the Egypts. Aside from all of the symbolism, the meal also included traditional and comfort dishes that are deeply rooted in the heart of culture and religion.

Another part of the Passover celebration is their spring cleaning and Yom Tov (their holy days). Right before the festivities start, everyone must deep-clean their houses -- specifically the kitchen and pantry -- to make sure that there is no leavened food in the household, otherwise known as chametz. This includes bread, cookies, beer, and anything made from wheat and other grains, or that has been fermented or in contact with water. Goodfoods, a popular food media brand, states that “Many families keep an entire set of crockery, cutlery and kitchenware that has never been in contact with chametz and is brought out once a year during Passover.” On the other hand is Yom Tov. This is held on the last two days of the holiday, when nobody is allowed to work; it is a day off and an opportunity for them to recite prayers and blessings, lighting candles, and singing. Jewish educational organization Chabad explains how, on the seventh (or eighth) day, “Many people have the custom to remain awake the entire night preceding the seventh day of Passover, studying Torah as a way of thanking God for the miracle He did at that time.” Furthermore, many charitable events are held during this time frame to help those in need.

Passover is a divine holiday full of rich traditions and ancient origins. It is a time for family and friends to gather with one another to celebrate the freedom of their ancestors' -- the Israelites -- journey, with stories, meals, restrictions, and to be grateful for what they have in life and the sacrifices that were made for them. As years go by, Passover remains an honored Jewish tradition.

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