The Last Two Days of Passover: A Celebration of Freedom and Miracles
The Last Two Days of Passover hold significant meaning as they conclude the weeklong celebration that starts with the first Seder. These days serve as a testament to the freedom and miracles experienced by the Jewish people. In this article, we explore what these days entail, their significance, and how they are celebrated.
What and When
The final two days of Passover are known as Yom Tov, which are celebrated as full holidays. In Israel, only the seventh day is celebrated, whereas in the diaspora, both the seventh and eighth days are observed. The seventh and eighth days of Passover begin before sunset on April 21, 2023, and end after nightfall on April 23, 2023. In Hebrew, the last two days are referred to as Shvii shel Pesach (Seventh of Passover) and Acharon shel Pesach (Last of Passover).
On these days, Jews make an additional candle lighting on the eve of both days. The timing of the candle lighting can vary according to the local sunset time.
What Happened on the Seventh Day of Passover
The miracle of the splitting of the Red Sea occurred on the seventh day of Passover. After being enslaved for generations in Egypt, the Israelites left on the 15th day of the month of Nissan, marking the beginning of Passover. Despite Pharaoh's initial reluctance, the plagues convinced him to allow the Israelites to leave for a three-day spiritual retreat in the desert.
Three days later, the Israelites failed to return, and Pharaoh realized they would not return. He chased them, but when he caught up with the Israelites at the Red Sea, Gd instructed Moses to split the sea, allowing the Israelites to cross safely. However, when the Egyptians pursued them, the sea closed, drowning the army and their horses. The Israelites were overwhelmed with gratitude and sang the Shirah ha-Mi Sham (Song of the Sea).
This miracle took place in the morning of the seventh day of Passover, marking a pivotal moment in Jewish history. People often refer to this day as Shmini Atzeret, which means "Eighth Day of Assembly."
How to Celebrate the Final Days of Passover
Seventh Day of Passover
Many people stay awake the entire night preceding the seventh day of Passover, studying Torah as a way of thanking Gd for the miracles. In the morning services, a Torah reading includes the biblical narrative of the splitting of the Red Sea and the song of thanksgiving. This day is rich with meaning and serves as a reminder of the covenant Gd made with the Israelites.
Eighth Day of Passover
The eighth day is often referred to as the Matzah Day. Traditionally, the matzah is kept dry to prevent any trace of leaven from touching it. However, on the eighth day, this restriction is relaxed, and matzah can be mixed with water to create Passover classics such as matzah balls and matzah brei.
During morning services, Yizkor, memorial prayers, are recited for departed relatives. Additionally, the meal on this day is seen as a manifestation of the imminent redemption, with a special meal and four cups of wine reminiscent of the traditional Seder.
Concluding Note
These final two days of Passover are not just about commemorating past events but also about reflecting on the present and looking forward to the future. They remind us of the importance of faith, the power of miracles, and the enduring spirit of freedom.
For more insights and resources on Passover, visit the world’s largest Jewish informational website. With over 17 years of experience, I continue to serve as a staff editor and have dedicated my life to Judaism and education.
Author: Rabbi Menachem Posner is a staff editor at the world’s largest Jewish informational website. With a rabbinic degree from Central Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch, he has been writing, researching, and editing for over 17 years. He resides in Chicago, Illinois, with his family.