- 23 May 2025
Passover is one of the most significant and respected holidays in Jewish culture. It marks the liberation of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt and the beginning of their journey to the promised land. In this article we will look at the history and traditions of Passover in Israel and how it is celebrated today.
History of Passover
Passover is based on the story described in the Torah, where God sent ten executions on Egypt so that Pharaoh would free the Jews. The last execution, the death of the firstborn, caused Pharaoh to set the Jewish people free. On the night this execution came upon Egypt, the Jews were commanded to smear their doors with the blood of a lamb so that death would pass through their homes. That’s why the holiday is called Pesach, which means “to pass” in Hebrew.
Passover traditions
In Israel and around the world, Jews celebrate Passover for eight days (seven days in Israel), abstaining from eating bread and other foods made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, and spelt, which can become fermented. Instead, they eat matzah, bread without sourdough.
- Seder: On the first and second night of the holiday, families gather around the table for a traditional ritual called the Seder. During the Seder, the Haggadah, a text describing the history of the exodus of the Jews from Egypt, is read and a number of symbolic acts are performed.
- Seder symbols: Various symbolic items are displayed on the Seder table, such as matzoh, maror (kye herbs), haroset (a sweet mixture of nuts, apples, and wine), herbs, and an egg. Each symbol recalls a different aspect of the exodus from Egypt and the difficulties the Jews faced.
- Four glasses of wine: During the Seder, participants drink four glasses of wine or grape juice, symbolizing the four stages of liberation from bondage.
- Afikoman: During the Seder, the leader hides a piece of matzoh called an afikoman. The children must find it, and the one who finds it gets a prize. Afikoman is then divided among the participants and eaten as the last meal of the evening.
Passover in Israel today
These days the celebration of Passover in Israel is accompanied by many traditional and modern events. Families and friends gather for holiday meals, and parks and beaches fill with campers and festivities. Many cities hold community Seders for locals and tourists, creating an atmosphere of community and understanding.
Passover is also a great time to visit various historical and cultural sites in Israel, such as the ancient cities of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, where past and present merge together.
Conclusion
The Passover holiday in Israel is a unique and exciting event that combines thousands of years of tradition with modern culture. It provides an opportunity for Jews and non-Jews to learn about Israeli history and culture, and to remember the meaning of freedom and independence.
If you are planning to visit Israel for Passover, use our website www.4Israel.co.il for information on activities, festive sites and events related to the celebration. Our site provides free translation in the most popular languages in Israel to help you find the information you need and connect with locals and businesses. For entrepreneurs and dealers, we offer a choice of beautiful subdomain names, such as mazgan.4israel.so.il.
Passover is a time when people come together to celebrate important events in history as well as to enjoy time together and the festive atmosphere. Be part of this unique and spiritual celebration by discovering the world of tradition and hospitality of our amazing country. We wish you a happy Passover and a pleasant holiday in Israel!
