The history of Passover and what it stands for

Passover commemorates the Israelites' flight from slavery in Egypt after the angel of death “passed over” the homes of the Israelites but killed off all Egyptian firstborns as part of God's wrath. Today Passover is an annual celebration that happens over the course of eight days in the early springtime. Here's some further information on how the holiday started and what it means.

For decades, the Israelites had been enslaved to the Egyptians. This included forced labour and other abuses.
The story of Passover says that God sent Moses to the Egyptian Pharaoh with numerous warnings and messages. However, Pharaoh refused to free the Israelites despite these warnings. God then sent 10 plagues upon the Egyptians, destroying their crops and livestock and inflicting much panic and suffering.

The tenth and final plague was the killing of all Egyptian firstborn sons. As this happened, the homes of the Israelites were "passed over" and spared, inspiring the name for the holiday.
This terrible plague finally broke through to the Pharaoh, and around a million Israelites were expelled from Egypt.
But, according to the story, the Israelites had to leave so quickly that the bread they were baking to take with them wasn't able to rise. So the Israelites took the flatbread and began a pilgrimage to Mt. Sinai, marking a new era as the chosen people of God.

Passover has two essential parts. The first two and last two days of the celebration's eight days are holidays, with candles lit in the evening and lavish meals including Kiddush prepared and savoured.

The first two days of the festival involve the Seder and are the highlight of the festival. Then, the last two days of Passover commemorate Moses' parting the Red Sea. Jewish people do not work, venture out via car, or use electronic devices on these four days.

The second portion of Passover, or middle four days, are referred to as chol hamoed. These are not as formal as the other four days. As such, work is permitted but contemplation about the eight-day holiday and its meanings is encouraged.

During Passover, any and all leavened bread (chametz) and fermented foods are removed from the home, and matzah (unleavened bread) is eaten instead.

The Seder dinner (eaten on the first two nights of Passover), is a 15-step ritual that includes eating matzah, bitter herbs, and wine as well as reciting the Haggadah, the historic story of Passover.

The story and practices of Passover are meant as reminders. It's a time of the year for Jewish people to relive and celebrate the Israelites' reaching freedom.

So, keep this information in mind, and, whether you're Jewish or not, take some time to reflect. And, if you have Jewish friends or acquaintances, use this information to show respect to the Passover celebration and practices.