One of the most important holidays for Jewish people, Passover commemorates the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt, and their transition from slavery to freedom. The main ritual of Passover is the Seder, a festive meal that occurs on the first two nights (in Israel, just on the first night) of the holiday and involves the re-telling of the Exodus through stories and song and the consumption of ritual foods.

Passover begins on the 15th and ends on the 23rd day of the Jewish month of Nisan (March or April). During the week of Passover, all leavened products (anything containing yeast) are forbidden. Many families will only eat unleavened bread (matzah) during this period. Matzo symbolizes both the suffering of the Hebrews in slavery in Egypt, as well as the haste with which they left Egypt during the Exodus. Passover is observed for a period of seven or eight days.