Each of the 3 biblical festivals, Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (Weeks) and Sukkot (Booths) commemorates a seminal event in the birth of the Jewish people. Taken together, they represent the process that transformed the tribe of Hebrews into the nation of Israel: (1) the exodus from slavery in Egypt, (2) the receiving of G-d’s laws, the Torah, at Mount Sinai and (3) the wandering in the wilderness for 40 years before entering the promised land of Israel. Of the three holidays, Passover, the festival of freedom, has the most universal message and appeal.

Did you ever wonder why all the Jewish holidays jump around? The Torah commands us to observe Passover in the spring, but some years it falls in late March and other years in mid or late April. Why this is so? For a complete explanation, go to: http://www.angelfire.com/pa2/passover/passoverdate.html

“Passover is probably the best known Jewish Holiday and is also the most celebrated by Jews world-wide. It is thought that over 80% of American Jews attend some form of Passover Seder (festive meal). During the Seder, Jews relive the story of the Exodus, as if they themselves were going from slavery to freedom.” For more information on the holiday, go to: http://www.mavensearch.com/content/passover.asp