Passover

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/ˈpæs.oʊ.vɚ/
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A Jewish holiday that celebrates the Israelites' escape from Egyptian slavery.
Practice using Passover in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The holiday of Passover reminds us of freedom and hope.
  • In the story, Passover saved every firstborn in the Israelite homes.
  • Friends join the Passover seder to share the story of Exodus.
  • The family gathered around the table for the Passover seder.
  • The synagogue holds a special service for Passover on the first night.

Similar words

Passover dinner
original New Year holiday
Haggadah reading
spring inauguration
Jewish New Year
commemorative supper
Nisan celebration
Festival of Freedom
Holiday of Liberation
the plague halt

Meanings

Jewish holiday commemorating the Exodus

noun
religion
neutral
An eight-day festival that remembers the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt and the sparing of their firstborns.

Examples

  • We will observe Passover with a family dinner this year.
  • Children love the story of the Passover miracle.
  • Many families clean their homes before Passover begins.
  • The synagogue holds a special service for Passover on the first night.
  • During Passover, we eat unleavened bread called matzah.
  • Friends travel from abroad to join the Passover celebration.
  • The holiday of Passover reminds us of freedom and hope.

Similar words

Pesach
Feast of Unleavened Bread
Festival of Freedom
Jewish Spring Festival
Holiday of Liberation
Eight-Day Festival

Biblical event of God passing over Israelite homes

noun
religion
neutral
The original occurrence described in the Bible when God spared the houses of the Israelites during the final plague on Egypt.

Examples

  • The Bible describes Passover as the night God spared the Israelites.
  • In the story, Passover saved every firstborn in the Israelite homes.
  • The plague ended when Passover passed over the houses of the faithful.
  • Pharaoh's heart hardened even after Passover took place.
  • The Israelites marked Passover by painting lamb's blood on their doors.
  • Scholars debate the exact timing of the original Passover event.
  • The ancient account of Passover highlights divine protection.

Similar words

the passing over
the sparing
the divine protection
the Exodus night
the plague halt
the biblical event

Passover seder (ritual meal)

noun
religion
neutral
The ceremonial dinner held on the first night(s) of Passover that recounts the Exodus story.

Examples

  • The family gathered around the table for the Passover seder.
  • During the Passover seder we read the Haggadah aloud.
  • Children search for the hidden afikoman at the Passover seder.
  • The Passover seder includes bitter herbs to remember slavery.
  • Four cups of wine are poured during the Passover seder.
  • Friends join the Passover seder to share the story of Exodus.
  • The Passover seder ends with a hopeful song for the future.

Similar words

seder
ritual meal
Passover dinner
Haggadah reading
festival feast
commemorative supper

Original New Year holiday

noun
religion
neutral
The early form of Passover that marked the start of the Jewish calendar year.

Examples

  • Ancient Jews marked the start of the year with Passover.
  • The early calendar placed Passover as the first month festival.
  • Scholars note that Passover was originally a New Year celebration.
  • The spring Passover signaled renewal and new beginnings.
  • Historical texts describe Passover as the original New Year holiday.
  • Farmers awaited Passover to begin the planting season.
  • The ancient rite of Passover set the tone for the yearly cycle.

Similar words

Jewish New Year
first month festival
original New Year holiday
Nisan celebration
spring inauguration
ancient calendar start

Etymology

From Middle English Passover, a literal translation of Hebrew Pesach ‘to pass over’, formed from the English words pass and over.

FAQ

What does Passover mean?

It is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the Israelites' escape from Egyptian slavery.

What is the Passover holiday?

It is a eight-day festival that remembers the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt and the sparing of their firstborns.

What is the Passover seder?

It is the ceremonial dinner held on the first night(s) of Passover that recounts the Exodus story.

What biblical event does Passover refer to?

It refers to the original occurrence when God spared the houses of the Israelites during the final plague on Egypt.

What was the original New Year holiday called Passover?

It was the early form of Passover that marked the start of the Jewish calendar year.

Where does the word Passover come from?

It comes from Middle English Passover, a literal translation of Hebrew Pesach ‘to pass over’, formed from the English words pass and over.

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