Buzz
In Ferris Bueller's Day Off, a despondent Cameron lies in bed and laments, "When Cameron was in Egypt's land/Let my Cameron go"—a playful take on the African-American spiritual "Go Down Moses." While it stands out as one of the film's funniest scenes, the song actually alludes to the biblical Exodus story, where Moses frees the enslaved Israelites in Egypt, an event commemorated annually during the Jewish Passover holiday.
The Origins of Passover
Jewish people across the globe observe Passover for seven days (or eight, for traditional Jews living outside Israel). Though the date shifts every year, it always falls on the 15th day of Nissan in the Hebrew lunar calendar, which typically corresponds to mid-spring.
As told in the Hebrew Bible, Moses repeatedly requested that the Egyptian ruler, Pharaoh, release the Israelite slaves, but Pharaoh refused. In response, Moses warned Pharaoh of 10 divine plagues that would befall Egypt—frogs, boils, locusts, hail, and more. God instructed Moses to have the Israelites mark their homes with lamb's blood so He would "pass over" those houses when delivering the final plague—giving the holiday its name.
The Seder Ceremony
On the evening before the first official day of Passover, Jews gather to observe the Seder, a meaningful ritual where they recount the story of their ancestors' freedom. During the Seder, families read from the Haggadah, Passover's own guide, and sing timeless holiday songs.
A Seder plate is placed on the table, containing five symbolic items—each representing a key element of the Exodus. Among these are a spring vegetable, like parsley, dipped in salt water to evoke the taste of the Israelites' tears and toil. "Maror," often horseradish or romaine lettuce, symbolizes the bitterness of slavery and Pharaoh's cruel command to drown male Israelite infants. "Charoset," a blend of chopped apples, nuts, wine, and honey, recalls the mortar the Israelites used to construct Pharaoh's cities. A roasted shank bone, representing the Passover sacrificial offering, and a roasted egg, signifying rebirth and renewal, also appear on the plate, though they are not consumed.
Additionally, four cups of wine are consumed throughout the Seder. These cups represent the four stages of redemption that the Israelites experienced. A fifth cup is set aside for "Elijah" and is not drunk; it symbolizes the hope for future redemption.
Getty ImagesThe Seder can stretch over several hours, but it's not meant to feel like a drawn-out experience—even for those with shorter attention spans. As Dr. David Arnow, author of Creating Lively Passover Seders, explains, "One of the goals is to engage children in a conversation about the significance of the holiday." There’s a long tradition of using fun activities to keep kids engaged, such as singing a range of Passover songs toward the end of the Seder.
The tone of the Seder also shifts as it unfolds. According to Rabbi Nathan Laufer, author of Leading the Passover Journey: The Seder's Meaning Revealed, the Haggadah's Story Retold, "In the beginning, the atmosphere is somber as participants reflect on the harshness of Pharaoh’s oppression and the killing of infants." However, as the story progresses and the Israelites are freed, the mood becomes joyful.
The Passover Meal
Following the Seder, a festive Seder meal takes place, which can differ significantly between families but often features dishes like chicken, salmon, or beef brisket. However, you'll never find challah or any bread made with yeast at the table. Instead, matzah, an unleavened flatbread resembling a cracker, is served.
"The Israelites left Egypt in such haste that their bread dough didn't have time to rise," says Steven L. Jacobs, author of The Jewish Experience. "As a result, matzah, or unleavened flatbread, became a fundamental part of the tradition and has since been transformed into various products made from matzah meal or unleavened dough." In fact, some Jews take it a step further by avoiding any foods with grains, corn, rice, or legumes throughout the duration of Passover.
Passover Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re seeking more information on Passover and the customs surrounding it, find answers to some of the most common Passover questions right here.
What Does Passover Celebrate?
Passover (or Pesach) commemorates the liberation of the Jews from slavery in Egypt. According to the Bible, God sent 10 plagues upon the Egyptians, while "passing over" the homes of the Jewish people.
When Does Passover Take Place?
Since the timing of Passover is based on the Jewish lunar calendar, its date varies each year. It generally falls in March or April and is observed on the 15th day of Nisan, which typically aligns with a full moon.
When Does Passover Begin and End?
Passover usually lasts for seven days, although some celebrate for eight. In 2024, it begins on the evening of Monday, April 22, and concludes on the evening of Tuesday, April 30.
Why Does Passover Span Multiple Days?
The duration of Passover is designed to mirror the time the Israelites spent journeying out of Egypt, which lasted seven days.
How Can I Send Passover Greetings?
You can simply wish someone "happy holidays," "happy Passover," or even "thinking of you" or "best wishes." If you prefer, you could also use Hebrew phrases like "chag sameach" (happy holidays) or "chag Pesach sameach" (happy Passover).
What is Afikomen?
During the Seder, a small piece of matzah is hidden to keep children engaged. The child who finds it is rewarded with a small gift.
What Should I Bring to a Seder as a Guest?
If you're fortunate enough to receive an invitation to a friend's Seder meal, it's thoughtful to bring a traditional gift for the host. However, keep in mind the Passover traditions, like avoiding leavened products (so it's best to skip any baked goods). Wine, which is a central element of the celebration, would make a lovely gift.
