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The Torah1 prohibits the consumption and possession of Chametz for the duration of the Passover Holiday. In the days/weeks leading up to Passover we clean and rid the house of all food items made of (or contain) grain. On the night before Passover we do the Search for Chametz, and the next morning all remaining Chametz is eaten, burnt, and/or sold to a non-Jew.
For the week (or 8 days) of Passover we eat Matzah instead of bread, and all food products that we eat must be certified Kosher for Passover.
Passover Lamb
When we had a Holy Temple in Jerusalem a special Passover offering was brought on the eve of Passover, roasted whole, and eaten on the first night of Passover.
Today, until the Temple is rebuilt - may it be speedily in our days, we cannot bring sacrifices. So adhering to the words of the prophet Hoseah2 "And we will render the prayer of our lips in place of the sacrifice of bullocks", we read the order of the Passover offering after the afternoon prayers on the eve of Passover.
The Seder
The highlight of Passover is the Passover Seder.3 On the first night (outside of Israel on the first two nights) of Passover family and friends gather to relate, celebrate and re-experience our miraculous Exodus from Egypt and the birth of the Jewish Nation.
The Seder table is set in a most elegant fashion, and features a Seder Plate. During the Seder we drink four cups of wine, eat Matzah and Maror, read the Haggadah, and enjoy a gourmet Holiday feast. Since Jewish continuity depends on the transmission of tradition from parent to child, children play a central role at the Seder. See here for a general overview/order of the Seder.
Our Practical Seder Guide, Soulful Seder Guide and 15 Steps of the Passover Seder provide a practical and spiritual guide for your Seder. Looking for a Seder? Chabad hosts beautiful public Seders all around the world; visit passover.net to find one near you.
Holiday Factors
In addition to the observances that are unique to Passover, Passover is also celebrated with those things common to every Biblical Holiday: candle lighting, festive meals (including Kiddush and Motzi), fine dress, special prayer services, Torah readings, and no work.4
See also What is Passover? and When is Passover?
Footnotes
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