Passover

Jewish holiday that commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt, as described in the Torah. The holiday’s name comes from the biblical tradition related in the Book of Exodus, where God “passed over” the homes of the Israelites during a tenth plague, sparing their firstborn while striking down those of the Egyptians. Passover falls on the 15th of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar, typically in March or April. During Passover, observant Jews eat unleavened bread (matzah) only, recalling the rapid departure of the Israelites. They also commemorate the first two days of Passover with a seder or traditional feast. Passover lasts seven days in Israel, but many Jewish communities outside Israel celebrate it for eight days.