Pesach: meaning, definitions and examples

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Pesach

 

[ ˈpeɪsɑːx ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

Jewish holiday

Pesach, also known as Passover, is a major Jewish holiday that celebrates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. It is observed in the spring and lasts for seven or eight days, depending on the Jewish tradition. The holiday includes the Seder meal, during which the story of the Exodus is retold and symbolic foods are eaten.

Synonyms

Passover, Pessah.

Examples of usage

  • We gather for the Pesach Seder every year.
  • Pesach commemorates the Exodus from Egypt.
  • Traditions during Pesach include matzah and bitter herbs.
  • Many families clean their homes thoroughly before Pesach.

Etymology

The word 'Pesach' comes from the Hebrew language, where it means 'to leap' or 'to skip.' This refers to the Biblical account in which God 'passed over' the houses of the Israelites during the tenth plague in Egypt, sparing their firstborns from death as punishment to the Egyptians. The origins of this holiday can be traced back to ancient times, specifically to the Exodus event, which is a foundational story in Judaism. The practices associated with Pesach, such as the Seder meal and the prohibition of leavened bread, have evolved over centuries but are rooted in the instructions given in the Torah. As a result, Pesach is not only a time for family gatherings and communal meals but also an opportunity for reflection on themes of freedom and redemption in Jewish history.