April 22

Passover

Passover: the celebration of liberation and resilience. Join in the feast and commemorate this enduring narrative of freedom.

Type

Day

Introduction

Join us in a special celebration of liberation and resilience this April 22 for Passover. This powerful Jewish holiday can be traced back over 3,000 years and commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. It's a time for families to gather around the Seder table, share the poignant story told in the Haggadah, and savor traditional delicacies like matzah ball soup and charoset. So, prepare for a meaningful journey back in time and an exploration of a remarkable story of freedom that continues to inspire us today. Passover is more than just a holiday, it's a testament to the enduring spirit of the Jewish people. Join in on the celebration and discover the rich history and traditions of Passover.

Passover Timeline

13th century BCE

Origin of Passover

Passover originated as part of Jewish tradition, commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt.

14 CE

Passover in Roman Era

During the Roman era, celebrants traveled to Jerusalem for Passover, sacrificing passer lambs and participating in communal meals.

70 CE

Temple's Destruction

With the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, Jewish scholars reinterpreted the rituals and story of Passover to be compatible with home observance, leading to the development of the Seder.

1593

Prague Haggadah

The Prague Haggadah was printed. One of the earliest known versions, it significantly shaped future Haggadot. This guidebook for the Passover Seder included detailed illustrations and became widely used.

1946

Survivors' Passovers

Holocaust survivors celebrated the first Passover after World War II, imbuing the holiday with new significance and serving as a testament to Jewish resilience.

2021

Modern Celebrations

In modern times, Jewish communities worldwide commemorate Passover with family Seder meals, reading the Haggadah, eating matzah, and participating in traditional rituals.

How to Celebrate Passover

1 Personalize your seder

The seder is the most important ritual of the Passover holiday. You can personalize your seder by adding your own family traditions, customs, or rituals to the event. This could be reading a special prayer, singing a favorite song, or sharing individual interpretations of the Passover story.

2 Bake homemade matzah

Matzah is a crucial part of the Passover celebration. This year, instead of buying it from the store, delight your family by baking homemade matzah. Not only is it a fun activity, but it also adds a special touch to the holiday meal.

3 Start a Passover book club

In preparation for Passover, start a book club with family and friends. Read books themed around freedom, resilience, or Passover itself and discuss them at your seder dinner.

4 Create a freedom wall

For the span of the holiday, set up a "freedom wall" in your home. Ask members of your family or friends who visit to write what freedom means to them. It's a fantastic reminder of the meaning behind Passover, and it can provide interesting discussion points.

5 Donate to a charity.

Select a charity that aligns with themes of liberation and resilience and make a donation in honor of Passover. This action helps extend the spirit of Passover into your local community and beyond.

Why Passover is Important

Passover is a Celebration of Liberation

The spirit and importance of the Passover holiday is about celebrating liberation, specifically the freedom of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This significant event carved deep into the foundations of Jewish history serves as a powerful reminder of our capacity to overcome adversity.

Passover Promotes Resilience

Passover honors the resilient spirit of the Jewish people that has been demonstrated time and again throughout history. It is a testament to resilience and steadfastness, serving as a potent reminder for generations to maintain hope even in the face of adversity.

Passover Enhances Family Bonding and Tradition

Passover serves as an annual tradition for families to gather, share meaningful stories, and enjoy time-honored delicacies. The seder, in particular, brings family members together in a rich, symbolic ceremony that imparts critical values and history to younger generations.