Passover

Passover History

Passover, also known as Pesach in Hebrew, commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt, as told in the Book of Exodus in the Bible. During the Observance, Jews abstain from consuming leavened food and beverages, known collectively as chametz, for seven or eight days, replacing them with matzah, a flat unleavened bread. The Seder, a meal laden with symbolism and accompanied by the retelling of the liberation story, is a central component.

The Passover tradition was established over 3,000 years ago and over millennia, different Jewish communities have developed unique traditions and customs. In South Africa, a vibrant Jewish community exists, encapsulating a blend of cultures and traditions from Lithuania, England, and other countries due to the waves of Jewish immigration throughout history. Passover for South African Jews is not just a religious event, but also a significant social and family occasion. Traditional Passover foods like gefilte fish, matzah ball soup, and potato kugel often feature on South African Seder tables, alongside local fare.

Observance of Passover in South Africa resembles global practices, revolving around the Seder meal and readings from the Haggadah. This encapsulates both religious recitations and social aspects, with families and friends gathering to share the meal and retell the Exodus story. Additionally, Israeli folk dancing and singing have been integrated into the post-Seder celebrations for some communities, showcasing the vibrant Judaic culture. Specific to South Africa, the Observance begins in the evening, a day subsequent to the commencement in Israel due to time zone differences. This occurrence rotates yearly according to the Hebrew lunar calendar, generally falling between late March and late April.

Facts about Start of Passover

• Traditionally, in accordance with Biblical Law, all Orthodox Jews remove all leaven bread, cakes, and flour-containing or flour-derived products from their homes in the weeks leading up to Passover. These products include beer, whiskey, flour, and all patisserie produces. Any products remaining on the Eve of Passover are given away to non-Jews, sold, or burnt.
• On Passover, Jews are to eat only unleavened bread (Matzah), baked from flour and water and prepared (mixed and baked) within eighteen minutes. Unleavened bread symbolizes Israelites leaving Egypt in such haste they could not wait for their bread dough to rise.
• On the first day of Passover it is customary to hold a Seder Night celebration with family and friends. During this celebration, the Haggadah typically read and sang. The Haggadah includes telling the story of fleeing of the Israelite slaves from Egypt, the fact that their dough could not rise due to the hurried exit, blessings over Matzah, and songs of praise and happiness.
• In 1956, South Africa passed the Jewish Holidays Act, declaring the first and last days of Passover as public holidays for Jews, allowing Jews to take days off work or school without repercussions.
• In Cape Town, there's an annual event known as the Cape Town Jewish Literary Festival, which falls around the time of Passover, combining Jewish culture, literature, and the spirit of the Passover festival.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for Passover

Top things to do in South Africa for Start of Passover

• Attend a Seder dinner or learn how to make your own Seder.
• Make Matzah. You can watch how to make matzah on youtube.
• Visit the Cape Town Holocaust Centre: Reflect on history's lessons amidst the Passover spirit of liberation. The center offers an in-depth look into the history of the Jewish people during World War II.
• Attend a Seder: Many Jewish community centers, synagogues, and hotels across South Africa host public Seder meals to mark the start of Passover. This may be an interesting way to immerse oneself in traditional Jewish observances. Johannesburg and Cape Town have large Jewish communities with various events.