The Effect of Symbolism and Teaching of Pesach on the Life of a Jew Today

The Effect of Symbolism and Teaching of Pesach on the Life of a Jew Today

Passover is probably the best known of all the Jewish festivals. The

event it commemorates is fundamental to the history of Judaism and the

story behind it is one of the most well known, and one of the most

enjoyed stories in the Bible or Torah. It is about the final release

from slavery and the departure of the Jews from Egypt and the arrival

into the Promised Land.

The festival recalls the power of God in liberating them and helping

to triumph over all the difficulties of the Pharaoh. For Jews, it

proves the love of God for his people and marks a great event in which

Jews were chosen to be special.

The celebration of the Seder meal brings families together from all

over the world to remember the great events of the past and to “live

themselves as though they had just escaped from Egypt.”

At the heart of Judaism is the covenant relationship the Jews have

with God. They believe that they are God’s chosen people and therefore

have a responsibility to worship God and keep His commandments. In

return, He will love and protect them.

The Shema outlines God’s expectations of His chosen people:

“Hear O Israel, the Lord your God is One.”

During Pesach, Jews can draw close to God through prayer, worship and

study of the Torah. Jews can learn about the covenant relationship and

about God’s role as the manager of human history.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul

and with all your strength.”

Observing festivals, including Pesach is a way of demonstrating

devotion and keeping this section of the Shema.

“You shall teach these words diligently to your children.”

Throughout Peasch, children learn huge amounts of the history of

Judaism, the Passover story and some of the meaning behind Jewish

symbolism and worship.

At the Seder meal, Jews remember the sufferings of their ancestors at