Pesach 2023: The Jewish holiday explained and where to celebrate it in the UK

As the Jewish holiday of Pesach approaches, communities around the world are preparing to celebrate one of the most significant events in Jewish history. Pesach, also known as Passover, commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt over 3,000 years ago.

This year, Pesach will begin on April 5th and end on April 13th. During this eight-day holiday, Jewish families will gather together for a Seder, a festive meal that tells the story of the Exodus from Egypt.

The Seder is a highly ritualised event, with specific foods and prayers that symbolise different aspects of the story of the Exodus. One of the most iconic elements of the Seder is the matzah, a flat, unleavened bread that represents the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt.

In addition to the Seder, many Jewish families will observe other Pesach traditions throughout the holiday. These may include refraining from eating leavened bread, cleaning their homes to remove all traces of chametz (leavened products), and attending synagogue services.

For many Jewish communities, Pesach is a time of reflection, renewal, and connection to their heritage. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in exploring the ecological and social justice themes of the holiday, with many families incorporating discussions of these issues into their Seder rituals.

Despite the ongoing pandemic, many Jewish communities are finding creative ways to celebrate Pesach while maintaining social distancing guidelines. Some families are hosting virtual Seders, while others are organising outdoor gatherings or delivering Seder kits to their community members.

As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of the pandemic, the message of Pesach - of liberation, resilience, and hope - is perhaps more relevant than ever. Whether celebrating with loved ones in person or virtually, Jewish communities around the world will come together to mark this important holiday and reflect on the timeless lessons of the Exodus.

As the period of Pesach comes near, communities around the world are gearing up for a week-long celebration of freedom, resilience, and renewal. In the UK, a variety of events are being planned to mark this special holiday and bring together Jewish families and communities from all backgrounds.

Celebrating Pesach in the UK

In Manchester, the city's Jewish community is coming together for a communal seder at the Manchester Jewish Museum. They will be hosting an event called "Pictures from the Past: Jewish Passover Manuscripts from the Rylands." They are welcoming curators from the John Rylands Research Institute and Library for a special event dedicated to the Rylands Hebrew Collection. The event will be happening on Tuesday, 11 April, from 10:30-12:30 pm.

For families with young children, the PJ Library is providing a host of resources - from games and songs to videos and how-to guides to explain the history and importance of Passover to the younger generation. They offer free Jewish storybooks and a Passover card game to make this special holiday meaningful and family-focused.

In addition to these events, many synagogues and community organisations throughout the UK are hosting their own Pesach celebrations, including Seders, communal meals, and other special events. These events provide an opportunity for Jewish families and communities to come together and celebrate this important holiday in a meaningful way.

This year's Pesach celebrations come at a particularly challenging time for the Jewish community, as the world continues to grapple with the ongoing pandemic. Many families will be celebrating Pesach in smaller groups or virtually, and there may be limitations on travel and other traditional Pesach activities.

Despite these challenges, however, the message of Pesach - of resilience, freedom, and hope - remains as relevant as ever. As Jewish families and communities gather to celebrate this important holiday, they will be reminded of the enduring strength of the Jewish people and the power of faith, tradition, and community to sustain us through difficult times.

As the holiday approaches, Jewish families and communities throughout the UK are eagerly preparing for this special time of year. Whether attending a virtual Seder, participating in a community event, or celebrating at home with loved ones, Pesach provides a unique opportunity to connect with our history, our traditions, and our community.

Chag Pesach Sameach - may your Pesach be joyous and meaningful!