Which festival commemorates liberation from slavery in Egypt?

Which festival commemorates liberation from slavery in Egypt?

• A. Purim
• B. Rosh Hashanah
• C. Passover
• D. Hanukkah

Answer: (C)

Liberation from slavery in Egypt is the central focus of Passover. This festival retells the Exodus—the Israelites’ escape from Pharaoh’s oppression, the dramatic deliverance that began their journey to freedom. Observances center on the Seder, a ceremonial meal that guides participants through the story with symbolic foods, prayers, and reflection. Matzah, or unleavened bread, recalls the hurried departure, while bitter herbs evoke the harsh bondage. The name Passover itself stems from the idea of God “passing over” the Israelite homes during the plague of the firstborn, sparing them and signaling their liberation. Because of this direct link to being freed from slavery in Egypt, Passover is the festival that commemorates that liberation. Purim, by contrast, celebrates the salvation of the Jewish people in Persia from a plot to destroy them; Rosh Hashanah marks the Jewish New Year, a time of reflection and judgment; Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Temple after a period of oppression and the miracle of oil.

Liberation from slavery in Egypt is the central focus of Passover. This festival retells the Exodus—the Israelites’ escape from Pharaoh’s oppression, the dramatic deliverance that began their journey to freedom. Observances center on the Seder, a ceremonial meal that guides participants through the story with symbolic foods, prayers, and reflection. Matzah, or unleavened bread, recalls the hurried departure, while bitter herbs evoke the harsh bondage. The name Passover itself stems from the idea of God “passing over” the Israelite homes during the plague of the firstborn, sparing them and signaling their liberation. Because of this direct link to being freed from slavery in Egypt, Passover is the festival that commemorates that liberation.

Purim, by contrast, celebrates the salvation of the Jewish people in Persia from a plot to destroy them; Rosh Hashanah marks the Jewish New Year, a time of reflection and judgment; Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Temple after a period of oppression and the miracle of oil.