"Pesach" is a Hebrew word commonly associated with the Jewish holiday of Passover. The spelling of the word is unique, with the "ch" being pronounced as a guttural sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /ˈpɛsax/. The "p" and "s" sounds are easily recognizable, but the "ax" at the end represents the guttural "ch" sound made by clearing the throat. The spelling of "Pesach" reflects its Hebrew origins, and the proper pronunciation may take some practice for non-native speakers.
Pesach is a Hebrew word and a key festival in the Jewish calendar. It is commonly known as Passover in English. Pesach has multiple meanings and connotations within Jewish tradition.
Firstly, Pesach refers to the biblical event of the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt, as described in the Book of Exodus. According to the narrative, the Hebrew people were instructed to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood, so that the Angel of Death would "pass over" their homes, sparing their firstborns. This miraculous deliverance from bondage forms the historical foundation of the Pesach festival.
Secondly, Pesach denotes the annual Jewish commemoration and celebration of this liberation. It is a major holiday that lasts eight days, beginning on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan. During this period, various rituals and customs are followed, including the retelling of the Exodus story through the centerpiece Seder meal. Unleavened bread, known as matzah, is consumed during this time to symbolize the hurried departure from Egypt when there was no time to let the bread rise.
Additionally, Pesach represents the name of the festival in itself. "Pesach" literally means "passing over" in Hebrew, reflecting the act of divine protection witnessed by the Hebrews. The term is also used as a synonym for Passover within Jewish liturgy, texts, and conversations.
In summary, Pesach encompasses the biblical event, the annual festival of Passover, and the term used to refer to Passover itself. It is a fundamental occasion in Jewish tradition, symbolizing freedom, redemption, and the ongoing quest for liberation.
The word "Pesach" is of Hebrew origin and has its roots in the biblical story of the Exodus, which is found in the Book of Exodus in the Hebrew Bible. In Hebrew, the word "Pesach" (פֶּסַח) means "to pass over" or "to spare". This term refers to the tenth and final plague that befell the Egyptians, where God passed over the houses of the Israelites, sparing their firstborn children from death. It is during this event that the Israelites celebrated the first Passover, which signifies their liberation from slavery in Egypt. Thus, the word "Pesach" came to be associated with this important Jewish holiday, also known as Passover.