Pesach

American  

[pe-sahkh, pey-sahkh] / ˈpɛ sɑx, ˈpeɪ sɑx /

Or Pesah

noun

Judaism.

1. Passover.

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Pesach British  

/ ˈpeɪsɑːk, ˈpɛsax /

noun

1. other words for Passover

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Usage

What is Pesach? Pesach is another name for Passover—the Jewish festival that commemorates the Exodus, the departure of the Israelites from Egypt, where they had been enslaved. It is considered one of the most important Jewish holidays. It can also be called Pesah and is sometimes referred to as the Feast of the Unleavened Bread. Jews traditionally celebrate Passover with family and friends by holding a ceremonial meal called a Seder, which consists of special symbolic dishes, including unleavened bread called matzo.

Etymology

Origin of Pesach

From the Hebrew word pesaḥ

Example Sentences

"You know, Pesach is the holiday of freedom," Lishay says when we meet in a park near Tel Aviv's Hostages Square.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2025

“I can’t imagine celebrating Pesach, the freedom holiday, without my son,” said Dalit Shtivi, whose son Idan Shtivi is being held hostage in Gaza.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 21, 2024

This Wednesday marks the first day of Passover — or Pesach — which is the annual Jewish festivity that celebrates the Israelites escape from slavery in ancient Egypt.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2023

James and the Giant Pesach: A boy travels around the world on a massive piece of matzoh.

From Washington Post • Jun. 17, 2021

Everybody was there—Mr. Belcovitch pressing coats with hot irons; Fanny shaking the room with her heavy machine; Pesach Weingott cutting a piece of chalk-marked cloth; Mrs. Belcovitch carefully pouring out tablespoonfuls of medicine.

From Children of the Ghetto A Study of a Peculiar People by Zangwill, Israel