Passover 2024 - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Dates: Passover in 2024 will begin at sundown on Friday, April 12th and end at nightfall on Saturday, April 20th.
- 2. Meaning: Passover, also known as Pesach, is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt.
- 3. Seder: The focal point of Passover is the Seder, a special meal that marks the beginning of the holiday. During the Seder, participants retell the story of the Exodus from Egypt using a Haggadah, a text that guides the order of the meal.
- 4. Matzah: A key symbol of Passover is matzah, unleavened bread that represents the haste with which the Israelites fled Egypt. During Passover, Jews refrain from eating any leavened products, known as chametz.
- 5. Four Cups of Wine: During the Seder, participants drink four cups of wine to symbolize the four promises of redemption made by God in the Exodus story.
- 6. Seder Plate: The Seder plate contains symbolic foods that represent different aspects of the Passover story, such as bitter herbs to symbolize the bitterness of slavery and a roasted egg to represent sacrifice.
- 7. Passover Traditions: Other Passover traditions include the hiding and searching for the Afikoman, a piece of matzah, and the recitation of the Ten Plagues that were inflicted on Egypt.
- 8. Kosher for Passover: During Passover, Jews adhere to specific dietary laws that require all food to be kosher for Passover. This means avoiding leavened products and following strict guidelines for food preparation.
- 9. Passover Services: Many Jews attend synagogue services throughout Passover, including special services on the first two and last two days of the holiday.
- 10. Family Celebrations: Passover is a time for families to come together and celebrate their shared history and traditions. It is a time of reflection, gratitude, and joy as Jews remember their ancestors' journey to freedom.