Pesach is celebrated with various festive activities, including:
Seder Meal: The Seder is a ritual meal held on the first two nights (in Israel, only the first night) of Pesach. It includes the retelling of the Exodus story, the recitation of prayers, and the eating of symbolic foods. The Seder plate contains:
- Matzah: Unleavened bread symbolizing the haste in which the Israelites left Egypt.
- Maror: Bitter herbs representing the bitterness of slavery.
- Charoset: A sweet mixture of fruits and nuts symbolizing the mortar used by the Israelite slaves.
- Karpas: A vegetable (usually parsley) dipped in salt water, symbolizing tears.
- Z'roa: A roasted shank bone symbolizing the Passover sacrifice.
- Beitzah: A roasted egg symbolizing mourning and the festival sacrifice.
Eating Matzah: Throughout the seven (or eight) days of Pesach, Jews eat matzah instead of leavened bread. This commemorates the haste in which the Israelites left Egypt, not having time for their bread to rise.
Festive Meals: Special meals are prepared, featuring traditional dishes such as:
- Matzah ball soup.
- Gefilte fish.
- Brisket.
- Various vegetable and potato dishes.
Clothing and Decorations: People dress in their finest holiday clothing, often in white to symbolize purity. Homes are cleaned thoroughly to remove all chametz (leavened products), and dining tables are set beautifully for the Seder.
Synagogue Services: Special prayers and readings, including the Hallel and the recitation of the Haggadah, are performed during synagogue services throughout Pesach.
Pesach is a time for family gatherings, reflection on the themes of freedom and redemption, and the observance of ancient traditions that connect Jews to their history and faith.
