One of the best parts of being in the Friendship Force community is that we experience the world as friends rather than just tourists. As we explore different cultures, holidays and traditions are often where the most unique and enriching experiences lie. One such tradition is Passover, a Jewish holiday that is deeply meaningful and has a rich history.
What Is Passover, and Why Is It Important?
Passover (or Pesach) began this last weekend on April 12th and is a week-long Jewish holiday that commemorates the Exodus from Egypt. Thisholiday marks the Israelites being led to freedom by Moses as they were enslaved under Pharaoh’s rule. Passover is a celebration of freedom, resilience, and hope.
One of the central rituals during Passover is Seder. This is a meal held on the first night of the holiday. Seder is often a blend of storytelling, song, reflection and of course food. Each item eaten carries important symbolism.
- Matzah (unleavened bread) represents the haste in leaving Egypt.
- Maror (bitter herbs) symbolizes the bitterness of slavery that was endured.
- Charoset, a sweet mix of fruit, nuts, and wine, represents the mortar used in forced labor — and the “sweetness of perseverance.”
The Importance of Passover
Whether you’ve celebrated Passover your whole life or are just now learning about it, its message reminds us that the fight for freedom is universal. Its meaning reveals the importance of storytelling to keep history alive. Gathering with people different from ourselves is an incredibly powerful way to understand one another. After all, that’s the goal of Friendship Force, isn’t it?
Note: All translations are AI-assisted translations. We appreciate your understanding of any slight inaccuracies.