Pesach Ends 2023: Celebrating The End Of Passover
Passover 2023 My Jewish Learning from www.myjewishlearning.comIntroduction Pesach, also known as Passover, is one of the most important Jewish holidays. It commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Pesach lasts for seven or eight days, depending on the tradition. The first and last days are considered holidays, during which work and other activities are prohibited. In 2023, Pesach will end on April 17. What Happens During Pesach? During Pesach, Jewish families gather for the Seder, a special meal that includes the retelling of the Exodus story, the drinking of four cups of wine, and the eating of symbolic foods such as matzah and bitter herbs. Throughout the holiday, observant Jews refrain from eating leavened bread, instead consuming matzah, a type of unleavened bread. The Last Days of Pesach The last two days of Pesach are known as Yom Tov, which means "good day" in Hebrew. These days are considered holidays and are marked by special synagogue services and festive meals. On the seventh day of Pesach, Jews celebrate the crossing of the Red Sea, a key event in the Exodus story. The eighth day of Pesach is known as Acharon Shel Pesach, which means "the last day of Pesach." It is a more subdued holiday, but still marks the end of the holiday period. What Happens When Pesach Ends?Cleaning Up and Returning to Normal Life When Pesach ends, observant Jews perform a ritual called "selling the chametz," which involves selling any leavened products that were not consumed during the holiday to a non-Jewish person. This allows Jews to avoid owning chametz, which is prohibited during Pesach. After this ritual is performed, Jews clean their homes thoroughly to remove any remaining chametz. Returning to Regular Eating Habits Once Pesach ends, Jews can return to eating chametz and other foods that were prohibited during the holiday. Many Jewish families celebrate the end of Pesach with a festive meal that includes bread and other leavened foods. Reflection and Gratitude The end of Pesach is a time for reflection and gratitude. Jews reflect on the meaning of the holiday and the lessons it teaches about freedom and liberation. They also express gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate Pesach with family and friends. Conclusion Pesach is a holiday that holds great significance in Jewish tradition. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration. As Pesach 2023 comes to a close, Jews around the world will take time to reflect on the holiday and look forward to the coming year. ...