Passover History

Passover history encompasses the story of Passover which took place over 3,000 years ago. During the eight-days of Passover, Jewish people commemorate their peoples freedom from enslavement under Egyptian rule. During Passover the faithful carry out symbolic rituals.http://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/pesach_cdo/aid/871715/jewish/What-Is-Passover.htm

According to Jewish belief, God sent a total of ten plagues unto Egypt with the tenth plague being the death of each firstborn child in Egypt. Those who marked their door with the blood of a lamb the angel of death would passover their home. The Jews did as Moses instructed and their families were spared. However, the Egyptians suffered the wrath of God and even the Pharaoh lost his first born child. After this the pharaoh released the Jews from their enslavement. The Jews traveled from Egypt to Israel which is the epic story known as the Exodus.

A Passover Seder is a ritual filled with history and symbolism. The Seders are held on the first and second night of the 8-day celebration. A Seder has 15-detailed steps and is usually done at a table surrounded with family and friends.

During a Seder, matzah is eaten as are bitter herbs. Wine or grape juice is served as it is a symbol of joy over being freed. The Haggadah is also recited as it tells the tale of the Exodus.http://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/pesach_cdo/aid/871715/jewish/What-Is-Passover.htm

The Internet is a great resource for learning about the history of Passover. The following is a list of the most reliable place online for learning Passover history:

• Chabad.org: This website serves as a complete guide to learning about the history of Passover. It features a section on Passover stories that includes both classics and contemporary stories. They offer tutorials on how to celebrate Passover, a study guide related to the history of Passover and even a section called "Passover for Kids."http://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/pesach_cdo/aid/1667/jewish/Stories.htm
• MyJewishLearning.com: This website has a section titled "Overview: Passover History." Here you'll find the history of Passover broken down into sections including Biblical, Rabbinic, Medieval and Modern. To test your knowledge, theis website also has a "How Much Do You Know About Passover" quiz.http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Jewish_Holidays/Passover/History.shtml
• History.com: This special part of the History Channel's website offers a brief overview of the history of Passover and features a "Seder" section that explains the symbolism and traditions of Seders.http://www.history.com/content/passover<r/ef>