Of all the Jewish holidays, Pesach ranks as the most popular. But Pesach is more than matzah. The purpose of this unique book is to encourage an enriched, text-based understanding of why we do what we do, when we do it. Passage to Pesach is divided into three parts. The first part provides a historical survey of Pesach. The second section focuses on the five special Shabbatot that lead to the seder, with their additional Torah and haftarah readings. After a look at the development of the Haggadah, the third section examines the seder itself through the themes of the cups of wine associated with the seder meal. Pesach is a holiday that defines Jews as individuals as well as a people. This book will help you discover your own place in the rich Pesach tradition by reflecting on the countless memories and applications afforded by Jewish tradition. Passage to Pesach provides a way to prepare for Passover on a spiritual and intellectual level, by discerning new layers of meaning in the sacred texts and symbols connected to the holiday. Reading this book will help you expand the meaning of Pesach from a one-week holiday during which we abstain from bread into a seven-week journey culminating in our seminal covenant with God. Book jacket.

Frances Weinman Schwartz is a teacher and writer who specializes in adult Jewish learning. She received a masters of arts degree in Judaic studies from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion