What Jewish holiday commemorates the exodus from Egypt?

The Jewish holiday that commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt is Passover, known in Hebrew as Pesach. This significant festival celebrates the seminal event in Jewish history where, according to the biblical Book of Exodus, God freed the Israelites from Pharaoh's bondage. The name "Passover" itself refers to the tenth and final plague God brought upon Egypt, during which the angel of death "passed over" the homes of the Israelites marked with lamb's blood, sparing their firstborn.

Passover is observed in the spring, typically lasting eight days (seven in Israel), and is deeply rooted in traditions that recall the haste with which the Israelites fled Egypt. A central custom is the avoidance of leavened bread, called chametz, in favor of matzah, an unleavened bread. This symbolizes the bread the Israelites baked for their journey, which had no time to rise. Before the holiday begins, Jewish homes undergo a thorough cleaning to remove any traces of chametz.

The highlight of the Passover celebration is the Seder meal, usually held on the first one or two nights of the holiday. During the Seder, families gather to read from the Haggadah, a text that retells the Exodus story and guides the ritual meal. The Seder plate features symbolic foods such as bitter herbs (maror) to represent the bitterness of slavery, charoset (a sweet mixture) symbolizing the mortar used for building, and a roasted shank bone representing the Paschal lamb sacrifice. Through these rituals, songs, and stories, participants reflect on themes of freedom, resilience, and the enduring importance of remembering history.