The religious festival of Passover (Pesach) lasts for seven or eight days in March or April each year. It commemorates the time when the Jewish people’s ancient Hebrew ancestors escaped from Egypt over 3000 years ago.
The festival starts at dusk on the first night of Passover (second night if you reside outside Israel). It begins with a traditional feast (Seder) when four cups of wine and unleavened bread (matzah) is consumed. Maror (bitter herbs) are also eaten. The event also features the telling of the story of the Exodus, readings, and singing. This year’s Seder(s) will take place on April 10/11.
The first two and the last two days of Passover are public holidays for the Jewish people, with candles being lit at night and sumptuous meals being prepared and eaten. During Passover, many Jews do not go to work, write, drive their cars or use electrically powered devices.
passover
a religious festival lasting seven or eight days in March or April during which Jews remember the time when the ancient Hebrews escaped from Egypt. Passover begins with a special meal.
