Passover (Pesach) commemorates the Israelites' Exodus from slavery in Egypt as described in the Book of Exodus. It is observed for 7 days in Israel (8 days in the Diaspora) starting on the 15th of Nisan.
Established in Exodus 12. The name "Passover" refers to God "passing over" the houses of the Israelites during the tenth plague (the death of the firstborn). The festival was originally a spring harvest celebration unified with the Exodus narrative.
Seder meal on the first night (and second in the Diaspora): a structured ritual meal retelling the Exodus, with specific symbolic foods on a Seder plate. Removal of all leavened bread (chametz) from homes before the holiday. Eating matzah (unleavened bread) for the entire week.
Matzah, charoset (fruit-nut paste symbolizing mortar), maror (bitter herbs), karpas (parsley dipped in saltwater), shankbone (zeroa), boiled egg (beitzah). Brisket, gefilte fish, matzah ball soup are traditional Seder dishes.
"Chag Sameach" (Joyous holiday) · "Chag Pesach Sameach"
Public holiday in Israel: first and last days are full holidays. Bread products disappear from supermarkets — Passover-substitute aisles dominate. Many restaurants offer Kosher-for-Passover menus.