Passover, Hebrew Pesa or Pesach, holiday in Judaism commemorating the Hebrews' liberation from slavery in Egypt and the "passing over" of the powers of destruction, or the sparing of the Israelites' firstborn, when the Lord "smote the land of Egypt" on the eve of the Exodus, and their transition from slavery to freedom.
The main ritual of Passover is the seder. This occurs on the first two nights and is observed through a festive meal among family and friends, where everyone recounts stories from Exodus through song and the consumption of ritual foods. Also known as Pesach, occurs on the 15th day of Nisan.
Passover is observed for 7 days in Israel and 8 days in the diaspora. During this time, it is not permissible to eat leavened food (such as bread and pasta). This holiday is a celebration of freedom that is appreciated not only by the Jewish but by people of other faiths as well.
How to Observe Passover in the Workplace:
Learn About the Community: Take the time to educate yourself, your employees and your human resources department about the history of Jewish people. Make a note of Jewish holidays, significant traditions and symbols, statements and actions that are micro aggressive or discriminatory and any other pertinent information. Articles, books, workshops and eCourses are excellent educational resources. Remember, the more informed you are, the better equipped you’ll be to support your employees.
Provide Resources: If your office does not have an Employee Resource Group (ERG) dedicated to Jewish employees, encourage the creation of one. ERGs are a safe space where individuals can share their concerns, achievements and build relationships with others. It’s important that these resources account for intersecting identities and different abilities.