Definition

1. Noun:
   • A Jewish religious festival: "Passover" is a major Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt, as described in the Book of Exodus. It traditionally lasts for eight days (seven in Israel and among some Reform Jewish communities), beginning on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • Our family gathers for a Seder meal every Passover.
  • During Passover, Jewish people refrain from eating leavened bread.
  • The story of the Exodus is retold during the Passover celebration.

Advanced Usage

• "to keep/observe Passover": To celebrate the Passover holiday according to religious tradition.
  • They strictly observe Passover by following all the dietary laws.
• "Passover Seder": The ritual feast that marks the beginning of Passover, involving a specific order of prayers, readings, and symbolic foods.
  • The Passover Seder includes eating matzah and bitter herbs.

Variants and Related Words

• Pesach (n): The Hebrew name for Passover.
  • Pesach is one of the most important holidays in Judaism.
• Seder (n): The ceremonial dinner held on the first night (or first two nights) of Passover.
  • We read from the Haggadah during the Seder.

Synonyms

• Pesach: The direct Hebrew equivalent.
• Festival of Unleavened Bread: Another name referencing the prohibition of leavened foods during the holiday.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Pass over" (verb phrase): While a distinct phrasal verb, it is etymologically linked to the name of the holiday, meaning to skip, omit, or, in the biblical context, for a destructive force to spare a specific location.
  • The angel of death was said to pass over the homes marked with lamb's blood.
  • I will pass over the minor details and focus on the main point.

Noun

1. (Judaism) a Jewish festival (traditionally 8 days from Nissan 15) celebrating the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt