Passover, one of the most significant holidays in the Jewish calendar, is rich with history, tradition, and profound symbolism. It commemorates the biblical story of the Exodus, where the Israelites were liberated from slavery in Egypt, and is observed with various rituals that have deep cultural and religious significance. While many are familiar with the basic traditions of Passover, numerous lesser-known facts add depth and dimension to this annual celebration. Here are five intriguing aspects of Passover that might surprise you:

1. The Meaning of “Passover”
The name “Passover” reflects the essence of the holiday. It comes from the Hebrew word “Pesach,” the name for the sacrificial offering, recalling God’s instruction to the Israelites to mark their doorposts
with its blood, which would then tell the Angel of Death to “pass over” the homes of the Israelites upon delivering the 10th and final plague, the slaying of the firstborn.

This pivotal moment in the Torah’s Exodus tale leads to the liberation of the Israelites from slavery. Until 70 CE, when the second temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, a paschal sacrifice was
offered on Passover. This offering came to be replaced by a series of table rituals called the “Seder,” and a week of observances including refraining from chametz (foods with leavening agents allowed to rise
and bake normally).

2. The Symbolism of Matzah
Matzah, or unleavened bread, is one of the central symbols of Passover. It represents the haste with which the Israelites fled Egypt, not having time to let their bread rise. Eating matzah during Passover is a reminder of the Exodus’s urgency and hardships, as well as the resourcefulness of the Israelites during their journey to freedom.

3. The Seder Plate’s Components
Each item on the Passover Seder plate is steeped in symbolism:

• Maror (Bitter Herbs): Symbolizes the bitterness of slavery.
• Charoset: A sweet paste made of fruits and nuts, representing the mortar used by the Israelite slaves to build in Egypt.
• Karpas: A green vegetable, usually parsley, dipped in salt water, symbolizing the tears and pain of slavery.
• Zeroa: A roasted lamb shank bone, recalling the sacrificial lamb.
• Beitzah: A roasted egg symbolizing mourning and the cycle of life.

4. The Four Questions
During the Seder, the youngest child asks four questions about why this night differs from all other nights. These questions open the floor for retelling the Exodus story, making the Seder an interactive experience emphasizing education and understanding of the Passover story.

5. Passover’s Wide Reach
Passover is celebrated by Jewish communities all around the world, and the ways in which it is observed vary greatly. From the foods prepared to the language in which the Haggadah is read, the diversity of Passover traditions showcases the global nature of Judaism and its adaptability to different cultures and environments.

Whether you’re hosting a Seder or participating in one, take a moment to reflect on these lesser-known aspects of the holiday during this Passover. They enrich the narrative and deepen the connection to this ancient and profoundly meaningful celebration.