This Friday marks the start of Passover, which is also known as Pesach. Passover is a religious holiday in the Jewish religion that celebrates when God used Moses to free the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt, as told in the Book of Exodus in the Torah or Bible (Old Testament).
Our thanks to Ira Shanfeld, Director of Graphic Design on the Cooper Communications and Marketing team, for sharing more about this holiday with us:
“Passover is both a joyous and somber holiday. The main event of the Passover holiday is the Seder (literally, “order”), a festive meal (some have one on the second evening as well) in which the Haggadah (the Book of Exodus and related writings) is recited in a set order. During the duration of the holiday, it is forbidden to eat leavened food products (such as bread, pasta, etc.). Symbols of Passover are largely represented by different foods on the Seder plate that speaks to the Hebrews having to flee Egypt without giving time for their bread to leaven (many may be familiar with matzo – unleavened bread), the bitterness of life under slavery in Egypt, the tears of enslaved Hebrews who were forced to build the pyramids in Egypt, renewal and springtime, and redemption and hope. If you would like to extend a Passover greeting to someone, say ‘Happy Passover’ or ‘Happy Pesach.’”
Thank you Ira, and Happy Pesach to all who are celebrating!