Passover, also known as Pesach, is the eight-day Jewish Festival of Unleavened Bread (Matzah) that commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt.
Passover is observed by avoiding leaven and highlighted by the Seder meals that include four cups of wine, eating matzah and bitter herbs, and retelling the story of the Exodus. Passover begins at sundown on the first day and ends at nightfall on the eighth day.
Passover is celebrated by many Jews across all denominations because it is so essentially and uniquely a family holiday. The Seder (SAY-der) is often attended by complete extended families. The Seder is a feast that includes reading, drinking wine, telling stories, eating special foods, singing, and other Passover traditions. As per Biblical command, it is held after nightfall on the first night of Passover (and the second night if you live outside of Israel), the anniversary of the Jewish nation’s miraculous exodus from Egyptian slavery more than 3,000 years ago.
As charity and community are important aspects of Judaism, it is common for families to invite those who do not have their own seders to join them. During seder meals, bitter herbs and various symbolic foods are eaten that symbolize the suffering endured by the Israelites, as well as the freedom bestowed upon them. The Haggadah is read, a retelling of the exodus. Passover is observed by avoiding leaven and eating matzah to remind of the unleavened bread eaten by the Israelites when leaving Egypt.