Passover in Pittsburgh

Every spring, Jews around the world celebrate Passover, a weeklong commemoration of the Exodus from ancient Egypt. This exhibit shows Jewish families and community groups in Western Pennsylvania observing the holiday, particularly the ritual seder meal, during which the Exodus is recounted and the symbols of the holiday are explained.

Traditionally, the seder is held in the home, with family and friends gathered around a single table. Many of the multi-generational family photographs found in the Rauh Jewish Archives depict seders. Community groups also host seders to provide an opportunity for everyone to partake in the tradition. Synagogues and religious schools offer model seders to teach children the stories and traditions associated with the holiday.