PURPOSE FOR YOU - PASSOVER 2025

PURPOSE FOR YOU

Passover is a major Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. The celebration is rooted in the biblical story found in the Book of Exodus, where God, through Moses, leads the Israelites out of Egypt after a series of plagues.
Key aspects of Passover: Duration: Passover lasts for seven or eight days, depending on Jewish tradition (seven days in Israel and most Reform communities, eight days in many traditional communities outside Israel). Seder: The highlight is the Seder, a special meal held on the first (and sometimes second) night. During the Seder, participants retell the Exodus story, eat symbolic foods (like matzah, bitter herbs, and charoset), and follow a specific order outlined in the Haggadah (a special book for the Seder). Matzah: Leavened bread is avoided throughout Passover. Instead, Jews eat matzah, an unleavened flatbread, to remember the haste in which the Israelites left Egypt, not allowing time for their bread to rise. Symbolism: Many foods and rituals during Passover symbolize aspects of the Exodus story—freedom, suffering, and hope. Passover is a time for family gatherings, reflection on freedom and oppression, and passing down traditions and stories to future generations.