The holiday of Pesach, or Passover, is an eight-day festival celebrated in the early spring, from the 15th through the 22nd of the Hebrew month of Nissan.
This year, it runs from March 30 to April 7.
Passover commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Following its rituals allows the Jewish community to relive and experience the freedom of their ancestors.
Observances: Passover is divided into two parts. The first two days, March 30 and March 31, and the last two days, April 6 and April 7, are full-fledged holidays. Holiday candles are lit at night, and holiday meals (Seders) are enjoyed both days. The middle four days are referred to as Chol Hamoed, or semi-festive “intermediate days.”
Seders: The highlight of Passover is the Seder, which is observed on each of the first two nights of the holiday. The Seder is a 15-step, family-oriented tradition and ritual-packed feast.
Focal points of the Seder include:
- Eating matzah, which is unleavened bread
- Eating bitter herbs to commemorate the bitter slavery endured by the Israelites
- Drinking four cups of wine or grape juice to celebrate the newfound freedom
- The recitation of the Haggadah, a liturgy that describes the story of the Exodus from Egypt. The Haggadah is the fulfillment of the biblical obligation to recount the story of the Exodus on the night of Passover.
Symbolic Seder foods:
- Maror—bitter herbs, usually horseradish, to serve as a reminder of the bitterness of slavery
- Saltwater—symbolizing the tears of the slaves
- Charoset—sweet paste made of fruit and nuts, symbolizing the mortar the slaves used to build the Egyptian pyramids
- Zeroah—shank bone, representing the Passover sacrifice
- Beitzah—hard-boiled egg, symbolic of life and birth associated with the spring season
- Karpas — a leafy green vegetable, usually a piece of lettuce, symbolizing hope and redemptionSome traditional Ashkenazi Passover dishes include gefilte fish, matzah ball soup, brisket, tzimmis (sweet carrot and fruit dish), and macaroons and sponge cake (made from matzah meal) for dessert.
Passover events
Where: Chabad at Wiregrass, 2124 Ashley Oaks Circle in Wesley Chapel
What: Community Seder, complete with gourmet Passover cuisine, wine and hand-made Shemurah Matzo, while reliving the exodus and discovering the eternal message of the Pesach.
When: Friday, March 30 at 8:15 p.m.
Cost: Suggested donation of $30 per person, $100 per family, or $250 per sponsor
Info: Call (813) 642-3244, or visit ChabadAtWiregrass.com.
Where: Congregation Kol Ami, 3919 Moran Road, Tampa
What: Erev Pesah I Services/Shabbat Services; Shabbat Candle Lighting
When: Friday, March 30 at 6:30 p.m.
Info: Call (813) 962-6338, or email .
Where: Congregation Mekor Shalom, 14005A N. Dale Mabry Highway
What: A Minha Minyan Before Pesah! A brief afternoon service in advance of Passover celebrations.
When: Friday, March 30 at 5 p.m.
Info: Call (813) 963-1818, or visit MekorShalom.org.
Where: Congregation Beth Am, 2030 W. Fletcher Ave.
What: Second Night Passover Seder
When: Saturday, March 31 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Info: Call (813) 968-8511, or visit BethAmTampa.org.
Where: Shoresh David Messianic Synagogue of Wesley Chapel
Where: 24152 State Road 54, Lutz
What: Shabbat Service, Nosh & Fellowship, and After Service Program
When: Saturday, March 31 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Info: Call (813) 831-5683, or visit ShoreshDavid.org.
Compiled by Kevin Weiss
Published March 28, 2018
