Pesach



Congregation Yeshus Yisrael



The feast of Pesach (Passover) is right around the corner, April 18 (14 Nisan).  This is the first of the three main feasts God commanded all men to go up to Jerusalem to observe.  The first of Nisan (April 4) is the start of the biblical year on the Hebrew calender. 

Pesach is the celebration of Adonai's deliverance of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt as recorded in the Torah (Exodus).  The name is from the final of the ten plagues God inflicted on Egypt - the slaying of the firstborn - caused by the hardening of Pharaoh's heart.

Adonai instructed the Hebrews to select a lamb on the tenth day of the month and to keep it for four days, to observe that the lamb was without spot or blemish.  They were then to kill the lamb at twilight and to mark the doors of their homes with the blood of the lamb.  When God saw the blood He "passed over" them, thus not slaying the Hebrew children.

The feast is marked by the celebration of the Seder (meaning order).  It is designed to give each participant the experience of "going from slavery into freedom."  The Haggadah serves as a guide through the Seder, telling the Exodus story and recounting the Ten Plagues using special foods and symbolism for illustration.

After dinner, the Seder ends with the Hallel prayer of praise, and the hope of "Next year in Jerusalem."