‘PESACH’

 

On the evening of the 1st April, corresponding to the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, Jewish people all over the world began celebrating ‘Pesach’ (Passover) to remember the miraculous events of G-d taking the Children of Israel from slavery in Egypt into freedom. 

‘Pesach’ is a joyous festival and it is usually celebrated by the entire family (uncles, aunts, cousins etc). 

 

The word ‘Pesach’ comes from the Hebrew root ‘Pei-Samekh-Cheit’ meaning to pass through, to pass over, to exempt or to spare. It refers to the fact that G-d “passed over” the houses of the Children of Israel when he was slaying the firstborn of Egypt.

‘Pesach’ is also the name of the sacrificial offering (a lamb) that was made in the temple on this holiday. The holiday is also referred to as ‘Chag he-Aviv’ (the Spring Festival), ‘Chag ha-Matzot’ (the Festival of ‘Matzoth’) and ‘Z'man Cheiruteinu’ (the Time of Our Freedom).

 

‘Pesach’ is a feast celebrated by Jewish people to remember the biblical events which took place in Exodus 12:1-27 when the Angel of Death passed over the houses of the Children of Israel and smote all the firstborn of the Egyptians.