The Jewish Passover symbolizes the freedom of Jewish people, some 3300 years ago from the Egyptians. In olden days, this celebration involved the sacrifice of lambs. The blood of the sacrificial lamb was spread on the lintel and doorposts as a measure of protection and a sign to 'Passover' the home. This Jewish Passover is explained in detail in the Jewish book of Exodus.
The Passover Customs
With the progress of time, the offering of a lamb has been substituted with roasting eggs and shankbone. The celebration too has acquired the name of Passover Seder and is a recognized feast day.
Importance of the Jewish Passover is described in the Jewish Passover Haggadah. The narration is in Hebrew outlining the details as well as useful resources for celebrating this holiday. The duration of Jewish Passover is seven or eight days beginning sundown on 15th day of Nissan as per Hebrew calendar. In Israel, the Jewish Passover is celebrated for 7 days on the basis of scriptures. The difference in number of days of celebration of the Jewish Passover arises because an extra day is added by scholars to account for the difference in sighting the moon in different locations.
Changing With Times
In modern times, the significance of Jewish Passover has a tiered level. First, it signifies the escape from Egyptian slavery and second it also serves as an agricultural marker celebrating spring which brings along new beginnings during a growing season. The religious significance also emphasizes the recognition of God as redeemer of Hebrew people. Another definition according to Kabbalistic traditions is that observing the Jewish Passover is a means of the process of redemption. The Jewish Passover thus stands as an important holiday for the Jewish community.
Jewish Synagogue
The Jewish Synagogue usually represents a large prayer hall acting as the main sanctuary, smaller rooms for the purpose of study and at times offices and a social hall. Some Jewish Synagogue also has separate rooms for Torah study. The Jewish Synagogue does not represent consecrated places. A Jewish Synagogue is also not necessary for the purpose of collective worship. Wherever 10 Jews assemble, Jewish worship can be carried out in that place. Yet again, the Jewish Synagogue in the strictest parlance does not replace or represent the long destroyed and true Holy Temple which existed in Jerusalem.
In the later part of the 20th century a movement was launched by the Reconstructionist Jewish population in America to reconstruct about 100 Jewish Synagogue around the world. However, the design and other details are at variance with the traditional Jewish Synagogues. In the modern Jewish society, the Jewish Synagogue has often assumed a broader role, often as a major community centre.
Going by the number of seats, the Belz World Center, Jerusalem, Israel can be reckoned as the largest Jewish Synagogue on earth. The main Sanctuary of this Synagogue seats 6000 people and its construction involved 16 years. The second largest Synagogue is situated in Kiryas Joel, New York State and named the Satmar.