To remember the miraculous events that G-d performed which would lead to the Hebrew's freedom, G-d commanded them through Moses to slaughter and eat a roasted paschal lamb symbolizing the Passover sacrifice. They were to spread the blood on the doorposts and lintel of the houses in which they would eat the paschal lamb. This act was G-d's sign to pass over the Hebrews' homes during the 10th plague, which was the death of the first born sons of the Egyptians as punishment for slavery.
The Passover is celebrated for seven days from Thursday 13 to 20 April in this Jewish year of 5766. No foods containing fermented grain products - Chametz - may be consumed or found in any Jewish household in this time.
A special family meal is conducted during the first evening in Israel and the first 2 evenings in the Jewish Diaspora. This communal meal was organised into a feast called the . Which follows the pattern of Greco-Roman feasts observed by rabbis during the Romans occupation of Jerusalem. The word 'Seder' means 'order' or 'procedure' in Hebrew and refers to the order of historical events recalled in the Passover meal as well as the meal itself. The story of Passover is read from a book called the 'Haggadah', meaning 'narration' or 'telling' in Hebrew. Memorial (Yizkor) services are said on 7th day in Israel and 8th day in the Diaspora.
It is a period in which the hardships of oppression and suffering are remembered. For our Jewish sisters and brothers the meaning of Pesach is a time of unity in recognising and remembering the difference between slavery and freedom.
The Passover holds deep meaning for Jews, Christians and Muslims and forms part of a common tradition. I wish all who will observe and remember Pesach great spiritual nourishment and family togetherness. May we all unite in acknowledging the difference between slavery and freedom in our own and shared lives.
Ebrahim RasoolPremier of the Western Cape
