What is Passover? - ��˿�� Bitesize

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Passover is a celebration of the story of Exodus. During Passover, Jews remember how their ancestors left slavery behind them when they were led out of Egypt by Moses. Passover is celebrated with a series of rituals. Each ritual symbolises a different part of the story.

When is Passover?

Passover (or Pesach in Hebrew) is one of the most important festivals in the Jewish year. It is a Spring festival that begins on the 15th day of Nisan, the first month of the Jewish calendar. The celebrations last for seven or eight days, depending on where you live. In 2024 Passover begins on the evening of Monday 22 April.

What is the story of Passover?

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Moses lived in Egypt. He saw that the Israelites were being persecuted so he went to see the pharaoh. Moses asked the pharaoh to set the Jewish people free, but the pharaoh refused.
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Moses warned the pharaoh that God would send terrible plagues if he did not let his people go. But the pharaoh still said no, so God sent ten plagues to Egypt. The final plague was the death of the first born son.
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God told Moses that the Israelites should mark their doorposts with lamb's blood so that the angel of death could 'pass over' their houses and spare them from this plague. This is why the festival is called Passover.
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After this, the pharaoh gave in and told Moses and his people to go at once.
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They left in such a rush that their bread did not have time to rise. This is why flat, unleavened Matzah bread is eaten at Passover.
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After they had left, the pharaoh changed his mind and sent his army after the Israelites.
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God parted the sea so the Israelites could get to safety.
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Then he washed the pharaoh’s army away.
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After this, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the desert to Mount Sinai, where God revealed the Ten Commandments.

Click on the picture to learn about the ten plagues

How is Passover celebrated?

On the evening before Passover starts, Jews have a special service called a Seder (Order). This takes place over a meal with family and friends at home.

During the meal, the story of Exodus is told from a book called the Haggadah (Narration). Everybody takes part in reading from the Haggadah. Some parts are read in Hebrew and some parts are read in English.

An illustration of a group of four adults, and three children sitting around a table sharing a meal. The men are wearing brimless caps.

Everyone at the Seder has a cushion to lean on. This reminds them that they are now free people and no longer enslaved. They also sing lots of songs.

The Seder plate

Click on the Seder plate to learn the significance of the six items.

Matzah

On the table there are three Matzah (bread that is flat because it has not risen). At the start of the Seder, the middle Matzah is broken and the largest piece is hidden. During the Seder the children hunt for it. The one who finds it receives a small prize.

Wine

Four small glasses of wine remind Jews of the four times God promised freedom to the Israelites. An extra cup of wine is placed on the table and the door is left open for the prophet Elijah. Jews believe that one day, Elijah will reappear and he will announce the coming of the Messiah.

Resources for teachers

Looking for more resources about Passover? In this series of short videos, 11-year-old Charlie explains his religion of Judaism, it's Bat Mitzvah year for 13-year-old Me-Me and 10-year-old Solly celebrates Passover.

��˿�� Teach has thousands of free, curriculum-linked resources to help deliver lessons - all arranged by subject and age group.

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