When does Passover end? What to know about the Jewish holiday
A major Jewish holiday started this week.
Passover, which commemorates Jewish people's escape from slavery in Egypt, is celebrated for eight days each spring.
Here's what to know about the holiday, and what to say to people who celebrate.
When does Passover start?
This year, Passover began before sundown on Monday.
What is Passover?
Passover celebrates Jewish people's freedom from slavery in Egypt, as told in the Book of Exodus in the Torah. The Book of Exodus says God sent 10 plagues to Egypt because the Pharaoh had enslaved Jewish people. The tenth plague killed first-born sons, but God told Jewish families to smear lamb blood on their doorposts so they would be spared, or passed over. Passover is called Pesach in Hebrew, which means "to pass over".
This plague convinced the Pharaoh to free the Jewish people. Families had to flee quickly, and didn't have time to let their bread rise, which is why Passover celebrators eat matzah, an unleavened bread, during the holiday and refrain from eating other bread and grains. Some Jewish people also refrain from working and driving.
When does Passover end in 2024?
Passover ends at sundown on April 30.
What Jewish holiday is today?
Passover began Monday, April 22.
During the first one or two nights of Passover, a Seder meal is hosted, which includes symbolic foods and drinks as well as rituals, such as the reading of the Haggadah book.
What do you say on Passover?
If you want to greet someone who celebrates Passover, there are several options. Here are a few:
Happy Passover!
Chag Sameach! (This is Hebrew).
Happy Pesach! (Hebrew).
Chag Pesach Sameach! (Hebrew).
Sweet Pesach.
Who celebrates Passover?
Jewish people around the world celebrate Passover. The annual holiday occurs during the month of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar, which is typically in March or April. Jewish people in Israel celebrate for seven days. In other countries, Passover lasts eight days.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Here's when Passover ends and why it's celebrated
