By Brynn MacDougall
Op-Ed Editor

Passover is a monumental Jewish holiday celebrating the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt. The Pharaoh of Egypt received a message from God, demanding that all the Jewish slaves would be freed. But the Pharaoh refused so God sent down 10 plagues to punish the Egyptian people for ignoring His command.

The Pharaoh finally released the Jews from slavery. They then began their journey to Israel, known as the Exodus. Because there was not much time to prepare for the Exodus, the people baked bread on their backs, without yeast, leading to the creation of Matzah.

The Pharaoh went back on his word and sent his army after the refugees. God then gave Moses the power to split the Red Sea so the Jews could escape the soldiers, who were then drowned when the Red Sea was returned to normal.

Consisting of an eight day long festival, the first two and last two days commemorate the parting of the Red Sea by Moses. On those nights, candles are lit and a feast is prepared. Work is also forbidden during these days. The inbetween days, known as “chol hamoed”, Hebrew for “weekdays of the festival” are festive, but to a lesser extent. On these days, most forms of work are permitted.

During Passover eating chametz is forbidden, chametz being “anything made from the five major grains (wheat, rye, barley, oats and spelt) that has not been completely cooked within 18 minutes after first coming into contact with water,” according to Tracey R. Rich, creator of Jewfaq.org. Instead, Matzah is eaten as a way to remember the former slaves and their struggles.

“Personally I view Passover as a time of reflection, a personal journey. I look back at my life and my years, reflect on what I accomplished and what I want to change,” said Richard Greenberg, a history teacher at Neshaminy.

This year, Passover will begin on April 22 and end on April 30.