Wishing You a Happy and Meaningful Pesach

As Pesach (Passover) approaches, the Derbyshire Jewish Community extends heartfelt wishes to all who are celebrating. Chag Pesach Sameach!

Pesach is one of the most significant festivals in the Jewish calendar. It commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt over 3,000 years ago — a powerful story of resilience, liberation, and faith.

Over the eight days of Pesach (seven in Israel), Jewish families around the world refrain from eating chametz (leavened food), symbolising the haste with which the Israelites had to leave Egypt, with no time for their bread to rise. Instead, we eat matzah, an unleavened flatbread, as a reminder of our ancestors' journey.

One of the central traditions of Pesach is the Seder — a special meal held on the first night (or first two nights in the Diaspora), during which we retell the story of the Exodus using a book called the Haggadah. The Seder includes symbolic foods, storytelling, songs, and the asking of the Four Questions — usually by the youngest at the table.

Pesach is not just a story of the past — it's also a chance to reflect on themes of freedom, justice, and compassion in our world today.

To everyone celebrating in Derbyshire and beyond, we wish you a Pesach filled with joy, love, good food, and meaningful connection. And to our friends and neighbours of all backgrounds, thank you for sharing in the richness of our traditions.

Chag Pesach Sameach – Happy Passover!