Passover: History, Traditions, Seders and Food
Passover, or Pesach, celebrates the exodus of the Jews from Egypt, where they were slaves. The holiday has also come to symbolize and commemorate various types of individual, political and social freedom in modern times. Although there are basic laws and traditions, Passover can be a personalized celebration. The veritable cornucopia of Haggadahs available indicates the many ways to observe the holiday; every family celebrates in their own fashion. Learn about the basic traditions and choose some new ones to spice up your holiday.
Expand All Guide SectionsHistory and Traditions of Passover
Passover primarily celebrates the Jews’ exodus from Egypt, but it’s also a celebration ... read more »
The Passover Seder
Although Passover is observed for eight days, only the first two days are celebrated with a Passover seder, a meal designated to recount the story of Passover. There are many kinds of seders, from highly religious ones to those designed for young children. However, most seders have at least a seder plate on display and follow a haggadah.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Passover always begins at sundown on the 15th of Nissan in the Jewish calendar; hebcal.com provides Passover’s secular calendar date.
- Numerous versions of the haggadah exist, and it’s possible to find one to suit your family. If you have young children, ask their Hebrew schoolteachers if they can recommend a version. Or add interest to your seder by giving each guest a different haggadah, allowing each member of the group to contribute unique material to the service.
- New ideas for seders and haggadahs are continually generated. Mark Oppenheimer writes in Slate magazine about the multiplicity of haggadahs, the ways in which Jews try to adapt in modern times and why he likes the Maxwell House haggadah the best.
Dulcinea's Picks
To host a seder …
The Chabad.org
guide to the seder covers all the information you need and offers a little extra. Learn how to prepare for the seder (including setting up a seder plate), read the haggadah online, find relevant commentary or listen to Passover songs to sing at your own seder.
Beliefnet
’s “Interactive Seder Plate” explains what goes on the seder plate and why.
For haggadahs (haggadot) …
The Internet Haggadah
sells a haggadah in PDF format for $18 and allows you to print as many copies as you like. It’s especially designed for less religious folk looking for a shorter seder; view a sample before purchasing.
The Open Source Haggadah
project allowed numerous online organizations to contribute until a full haggadah was created. While it hasn’t been updated since 2003, it’s complete, and offers a smattering of opinions and commentary. Customize your own haggadah, adding or eliminating sections as you go.
For seder songs …
Aish.com
lists the lyrics of many of the songs that are part of the seder. Click on a song to stream the MP3 file and learn the tune as well.
For a feminist seder …
Miriam’s Cup
is a relatively new tradition that honors Moses’ sister, Miriam the Prophetess, and by extension, the important role that women play in the Jewish faith. Learn about the history and the rituals of Miriam’s Cup and host your own feminist seder.
For a politically conscious seder …
MyJewishLearning.com
supplies additional reading for your Seder that can make it more politically or socially relevant.
Who knew?
The Yale University Library Judaica Collection
contains antique haggadahs. Details of the collection, including photographs and images, are available online.
Kosher for Passover Foods
Passover is one of the most important holidays on the Jewish calendar, and a joyous celebration of ... read more »
Passover Wine
During the Passover seder, one of the rituals involves drinking four cups of wine. Even people who ... read more »
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