About Passover

Passover (Pesach in Hebrew) is one of the most important events in the Jewish calendar. It dates back to 1300 BC and the story of Passover is told in the Book of Exodus. Passover celebrates the liberation of the children of Israel from a life of slavery in Egypt. As the story goes, the Pharaoh had previously refused the release, causing God to effect ten plagues on Egypt. The last of these plagues was the plague on the firstborn - every first born child would be taken from their home by God's avenging Angel. Isrealites were given specific instructions on how to mark their houses with the blood of a slaughtered lamb so that the spirit of the Lord could "pass over" their house when executing the plague. Following the devastation of the plague, Pharaoh agreed to the release of the children and they were led out of Egypt by Moses.

It is said that the Israelites left Egypt in such a hurry that their bread did not have time to rise - hence Jewish people refrain from eating bread and other fermented grain products during the 8 day festival and it is also the reason why unleavened bread ("Matzo") features significantly in the customs observed during Passover and on Greeting Cards. Children are central to the Passover festival and play a key role in the proceedings and customs during the festival.

Read more about Passover:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/judaism/holydays/passover_1.shtml
http://www.jewfaq.org/holidaya.htm>http://www.jewfaq.org/holidaya.htm

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