For many parts of the world, the dawning of spring means the celebration of Easter and Passover. For Israel, of course, both Easter and Passover hold great significance, and these important celebrations take place in a sun-drenched landscape as the last vestiges of winter fade away and an entire nation blooms with color and energy.
There is perhaps no better, more meaningful time to visit Israel than during Passover. There is no shortage of accommodation options, and for those looking for a high quality and low-cost option, the
HI-ISRAEL (
Hostelling International - ISRAEL) has branches across the country, from Eilat in the south to up near Mount Hermon in the north, all situated close to beautiful hiking trails, historic sites and unique natural attractions.
Passover is a commemoration of God’s liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It’s a celebration of the freedom of the Jewish people, and the founding of the nation of Israel.
Passover begins at dusk on the 15th day of the month of Nissan, a spring month that falls between March and April on the Gregorian calendar. In Israel, Passover lasts for seven days.
Passover got its name because in order to convince the Egyptian Pharoah to release the Children of Israel from slavery, God had to inflict ten plagues upon Egypt, the last of which was the most devastating – the death of the first-born in each Egyptian household. Israelites marked their homes with the blood of a slaughtered spring lamb, and when seeing these markings, the spirit of God knew to pass over these homes and leave the first-borns untouched.
When the Israelites were freed, it is said that they departed so quickly there wasn’t even time to let the bread rise. In honor of this, no leavened breads or hametz, as they are called, can be eaten during Passover. Matzo, which is a flat and unleavened bread, is a traditional food of Passover instead.
Passover isn’t all about deprivation, however. On the first night of Passover, Jewish families gather for a grand, ritualistic dinner called the Passover Seder. During this dinner, the story of the liberation of the Israelites is retold, symbolic foods are consumed, four glasses of wine are drank, and blessings are given.
Because the Seder celebrations typically last long into the night, one of the rituals is designed to keep children engaged. During the fourth part of the Seder, the head of the household breaks a piece of matzo in half and sets aside the bigger half to be eaten as dessert. This piece is called the Afikoman. The head of the household then either hides the Afikoman or allows it to be ‘stolen’ by the children. Either way, the children present the Afikoman at the end of the meal in exchange for rewards.
Passover is not only a time of great celebration in Israel, but a time of great beauty, one that tourists should be so lucky as to experience for themselves.
For more information about Hostelling International – ISRAEL:
www.iyha.org.il
