Passover

Passover commemorates the biblical story in which God “passed over” the homes of the Israelites during the final plague in Egypt (Exodus 12:23), leading to their liberation from slavery. Reform Jews traditionally observe the holiday for seven days.

At the heart of Passover is the seder, a ritual meal with prayers, stories, songs, and symbolic foods found in the Haggadah. The seder celebrates freedom and retells the Exodus.

During the holiday, many Jews refrain from eating chameitz (leavened foods) and eat matzah instead—symbolizing both the haste of the Exodus and the hardships of slavery.

We conclude Passover with Yizkor, a memorial service honoring loved ones who have passed, also observed on Shavuot, Yom Kippur, and Sh’mini Atzeret.