Passover
The Jewish festival of Passover is celebrated on the 14th day of the month called Nisan, first month of the Jewish year.
Passover commemorates the Exodus, the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. As described in the Book of Exodus, Passover marks the “birth” of the Children of Israel who become the Jewish nation, as the Jews’ ancestors were freed from being slaves of Pharaoh and allowed to become followers of God instead.
In Israel, Passover lasts for seven days with the first and last days being major holidays. In Orthodox and Conservative communities, no work is performed and most of the observances of Shabbat are adhered to. A Seder is held on the first day.
Outside Israel, in Orthodox and Conservative communities, the holiday lasts for eight days with the first two days and last two days being major holidays. A Seder is conducted twice, on both the first and second days. In the intermediate days work can be performed.
