Passover marks the Israelites’ liberation from slavery and their exodus from Egypt around 3000 years ago.
Passover (Pesach) lasts for eight days in the United States. Many Jewish people spend the Passover period with family members or close friends.
What do people do?
Many people spend the Passover period with family or close friends. They make a special effort to ensure that older people, the poor, and those living alone can take part in the ceremonial meals known as Seder. They may do this by inviting people into their homes or giving them a gift basket. Passover gift baskets are filled with Seder plates and ceremonial foods and wine.
Other people choose to spend the Passover period at a Jewish hotel or resort or on a cruise ship. People combine Passover observances with other activities. Popular activities include sightseeing, relaxing with family or friends, skiing in the Rocky Mountains, traditional Jewish cooking classes and studying Jewish law and culture under the supervision of a well-known Rabbi.
The Passover is celebrated in many Jewish communities in the United States.
It includes ceremonial meals and wine. ©iStockphoto.com/Stella Levi
Learn about Passover
- Video here
- Articles here
- Photo of a Seder service at the Hebrew Sheltering Home for the Aged in Los Angeles, ca.1928 here
- Nazi Germany’s Last Surviving Rabbi Marks Passover Seder, video here