Pesach

• Pesach is one of the most important Jewish festivals. During this time Jews remeber Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt and freeing them from slavery after God had asked him to do this.
• "For seven days you are to eat bread made without yeast... On the first day remove the yeast from your houses..."
• Matzah - the Pharaoh gave in and told Moses and the Israelites to go at once. They left in such a rush that their bread did not have time to rise. This is why, before Passover, Jewish people eat unleavened bread called matzah. In many Jewish homes, children enjoy taking part in a ritual search for any specks of leaven left behind.

  On the table, there are several matzot (plural of matzah) on top of each other. At the start of the Seder, the middle matzah is broken and the largest piece is hidden. During the Seder, the children hunt for it. The one who finds it receives a small prize
• Wine - four small glasses of wine represent the four expressions of freedom, symbolising the Israelites being brought out of slavery. The wine symbolises joy and happiness. An extra cup of wine is placed on the table and the door is left open for the prophet Elijah. Jews believe that Elijah will reappear to announce the coming of the Messiah and will do so at Pesach.
• Cushion - during the evening, the story of how the Israelites fled from Egypt is retold. Everyone at the Seder has a cushion to lean on. This is because in the ancient past people reclined on cushions during meals. The custom is meant to remind Jews that they are now free people and no longer slaves.
• Exodus - the Passover Haggadah tells the story of the Exodus from Egypt. Everyone is to imagine him or herself as if they were redeemed from Egypt themselves. The evening, which includes stories and songs, is a mixture of joy and sadness. Jews do not forget that they were once slaves, but they also celebrate their freedom.