Passover Poems
Sinai Desert
Passover poems, or poems for Pesach (pronounced Pay-sahch, the Hebrew word for Passover), commemorate one of the most imporant periods of the Jewish calender. The holiday is unique in that it is observed in the home, and features a seder meal attended by family and friends.
There is a tradition among many families to invite their non-Jewish friends to share in the traditional meal and hear the reading of Haggaddah, the book that recounts the story of the Israelite exodus from the land of Egypt.
The holiday commences on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nissan, the day that G-d visited the last of the 10 plagues on the Egyptians. Because the Hebrew calendar is a lunar calendar, the days of the month do not always correspond to the days of the Gregorian calendar (the western calendar) year on year. Thus, 15 Nissan falls on April 7, in 2012, and March 26, in 2013. Every Jewish holiday commences at sundown the night before.
The Passover ritual is associated with the exodus of the Hebrew slaves from Egypt after generations in bondage. The story is related in the Hebrew Bible in the Book of Exodus, Chapters 1-15. Many of the Pesach customs are established in Chapters 12-15.
Traditional Passover Plate
The Hebrew word Pesach" means to pass over, or to spare. It refers to G-d "passing over" the dwellings of the Hebrews when he was slaying the firstborn of Egypt (the tenth plague).
The holiday itself is both joyful and sad. It is a story of suffering and despair, and ultimately of freedom and deliverance. Although the ancient Egyptians were responsible for the servitude of the Hebrews, there is a midrash (rabbinic story) in which G-d warns the angels not to rejoice over the sufferings of the Egyptians.
The reason behind this prohibition is to remember that the Hebrews fled Egypt in a hurry, without time to let their bread rise. This is why matzah is eaten throughout the holiday.
We hope you enjoy this very special collection of Passover Poems. We wish you all a very Happy and meaningful Pesach.
*Information compiled from various sources including Judaism 101, Chabad.org and.
Find a Poem Written Especially for Passover
Click below to explore our selection of Passover Poems.
Passover Pesach Poems : A wonderful selection of poems that explore the gravity and deep symbolism of the holiday, as well touch on some of the more lighthearted traditions that celebrate the joy of the liberation of the Israelites from bondage in ancient Egypt. We think you will enjoy this very special collection from the writers at My Word Wizard.
Poems for the Jewish Passover Service : We are proud to feature an extraordinary poem by New Mexico poet Rosé Cohen called "Passover Service." The piece is an original look at the Exodus story as retold from generation to generation. It provides us with a wonderfully poetic timeline of the plight of the Israelites as they travel from bondage to freedom. We hope you are as moved as we are.