Happy Passover!

What is Passover? And where did the name come from?

Passover--or "Pesach" from the Hebrew-- is an eight-day festival in spring that commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from many decades of slavery in ancient Egypt. Pesach also refers to the sacrificial offering (a lamb) that was made.

G-d sent Moses to Pharaoh with a message to free the Israelites. When Pharaoh refused to listen, ten plagues followed, the last killing all the Egyptians' firstborn. But G-d spared the children of the Israelites, "passing over" their homes. It has been suggested the word also implies G-d hovering over, looking after and guiding the Israelites out of Egypt. Pharaoh freed the slaves. Soon after they left Egypt, Pharaoh tried to force them back. They found themselves trapped between Pharaoh's armies and the Red Sea. The sea parted to allow the Israelites passage, then closed over the pursuing Egyptians.

The first two days and last two days (that celebrate the parting of the Red Sea) are the actual holiday days; the middle four days are called Chol Hamoed. During Passover, matzoh--unleavened bread--is eaten because the Israelites left in such a hurry their bread for the journey didn't have time to rise. It is also a symbolic way of removing one's "puffiness"--arrogance or pride.

The two Seders happen on the first two nights of Passover. The highlight of the Seder ceremony is the Maggid, telling the story of the Exodus from Egypt.

Happy Passover!

Links:

Passover History and Traditions
Wiki
More Info on Passover
Free online Passover cards
TorahTots--games & history for kids
Passover crafts & games for kids
Passover coloring book (free pdf)