Happy Pesach!
More than any other festival, Passover (also called Pesach) is a time of questions and answers. The high point of the festival, arguably, is the Seder, this year the first falls on Monday 22nd April.
The Seder is designed for us to feel like we are experiencing the Exodus, a story we purposely repeat every year at this time. Our aim is to feel as though we ourselves are leaving Egypt – experiencing the plagues, from slavery to freedom, darkness into light, questions and discussion – all to achieve our full spiritual potential.
On the night of the Passover Seder, we tell the story of the most famous miracle in the Torah. The Splitting of the Sea and the crossing of the Israelites from slavery to freedom. We are retelling the story of the miraculous birth of a nation, and we’re preparing ourselves for whatever renewal we can find in our own lives.
During the evening, the story of Passover is told through readings, songs, prayers, drinking four cups of wine, and eating specific foods symbolising various aspects of the story. It is a festival rich in historical and family traditions, rules and rituals – and plenty of audience participation from everyone around the table.
If there’s one image that symbolizes the Passover Seder meal, it is the youngest child summoning up all their courage and asking “Ma Nishtana?” “Why is this night different from all other nights?” – one of the Four Questions.
Passover is a time when many Jews do a thorough house clean, getting rid of chametz (leaven) but we are also cleaning out the old in preparation for the rebirth that is springtime.
The absence of leaven is epitomised by the munching of matzah, the flat cracker-like food we eat during Passover. Matzah is also a link between exile and redemption. It is the bread of affliction, eaten by slaves who did not have decent food. It is also a symbol of freedom, because when the Jews left Egypt, they left in a hurry with unleavened bread.
We wish everyone Chag Pesach Sameach.