Passover, also known as Pesach in Hebrew, is a major Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt, as described in the biblical book of Exodus

. It is one of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals in Judaism and is celebrated in the spring, beginning on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan (usually in March or April)

. The holiday lasts seven days in Israel and eight days in many Jewish communities outside Israel, with the first two nights (or the first night in Israel) marked by a special ceremonial meal called the Passover Seder

. During the Seder, families and friends gather to retell the story of the Exodus using a text called the Haggadah, eat symbolic foods such as matzah (unleavened bread), bitter herbs, and charoset, and perform rituals that reflect themes of liberation and faith

. A key observance during Passover is the prohibition of chametz-leavened foods made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt-to remember the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, not allowing their bread to rise

. Passover is thus a time of reflection on freedom, justice, and community solidarity, celebrated with prayers, festive meals, and family gatherings

. In summary, Passover is a Jewish spring festival celebrating freedom and family, centered on the remembrance of the Exodus from Egypt and marked by rituals such as the Seder meal and the avoidance of leavened bread