The Story of Passover

About 3000 years ago the Israelites were enslaved by the Egyptians under the rule of the Pharaoh Ramses II. According to the Book of Exodus - Moses, a simple Jewish shepherd, was instructed by G-d to go to the pharaoh and demand the freedom of his people

Moses' plea of let my people go was ignored. Moses warned the Pharaoh that G-d would send severe punishments to the people of Egypt if the Israelites were not freed. Again the Pharaoh ignored Moses' request of freedom. In response G-d unleashed a series of 10 terrible plagues on the people of Egypt

1. Blood
2. Frogs
3. Lice (vermin)
4. Wild Beasts(flies)
5. Blight (Cattle Disease)
6. Boils
7. Hail
8. Locusts
9. Darkness
10. Slaying of the First Born

The holiday's name - Pesach, meaning "passing over" or "protection" in Hebrew, is derived from the instructions given to Moses by G-d . In order to encourage the Pharaoh to free the Israelites, G-d intended to kill the first-born of both man and beast. To protect themselves, the Israelites were told to mark their dwellings with lamb's blood so that G-d could identify and "pass over" their homes

The Pharaoh was unconvinced and refused to free the Jewish slaves

Until the last plague

When the Pharaoh finally agreed to freedom, the Israelites left their homes so quickly that there wasn't even time to bake their breads. So they packed the raw dough to take with them on their journey. As they fled through the desert they would quickly bake the dough in the hot sun into hard crackers called matzohs. Today to commemorate this event, Jews eat matzoh in place of bread during Passover

Though the Jews were now free, their liberation was incomplete. The Pharaoh's army chased them through the desert towards the Red Sea. When the Jews reached the sea they were trapped, since the sea blocked their escape

It was then that a miracle occurred. The waves of the Red Sea parted and the Israelites were able to cross to the other side. As soon as they all reached the other side the sea closed trapping the Pharaoh's army as the waves closed upon them

Then as the Israelites watched the waters of the Red Sea sweep away the Pharaoh's army they realized they were finally free

Passover celebrates this history. The first 2 nights of the 8 day holiday are celebrated with lavish meals called Seders in which the stories and history of Passover are celebrated. Special foods, plates, silverware are all a part of the Seder

Related Articles:
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Five Easy Steps To A Seder Everyone Can Enjoy
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The Passover Seder 2

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Comments

Emily May from United Kingdom (Great Britain)

14:47 11/16/2009

 

Helped me alot its for my homework THANKS ! :D

sasha from Europe

07:55 11/15/2009

 

this has helped me on my home-work great stuff

Ambz from United Kingdom (Great Britain)

13:34 10/12/2009

 

this is really helping me coz im doing coursework on this!

lauren wood

05:10 10/12/2009

 

hiya people,what u up tae !

pigeon from United Kingdom (Great Britain)

05:01 10/01/2009

 

wow this is some pretty cool religeion! dont understand about all the g-d stuff but then again i wouldnt understand if i was told..... circumcisions rule!!!!!!!!!!

Jerrien from Illinois, US

12:24 08/21/2009

 

thanks for the information it really helped me with my assignment!!!!!!! Thanks

Don from Oklahoma, US

17:02 05/22/2009

 

Those of the Jewish faith continue to remember an event that is very important to the Israelites. However, once the Messiah, Jesus Christ, gave his life on the Cross---a new WAY was begun. Don't forget the Passover, but place it in proper perspective.

Lucy from United Kingdom (Great Britain)

11:54 05/17/2009

 

I think that this is a very good report about it. What I was actually looking for, which was who found Moses when he was sent down the Nile in a basket! So never mind!

Nameless from Austria

12:22 05/13/2009

 

I don't mean to be disrespectful, but don't we worship God not his name? Because that's like making an idol. I could be wrong though so don't take it personal.

Keesha from Washington, US

13:10 04/23/2009

 

i think that when you learn about the passover it will make you want to become Jewish. I wish i was because im doing a three page report about this at school and its very interesting. God Bless Everyone! ♥