Pesach
The festival of Pesach [15th-22nd Nissan] celebrates the miraculous exodus of the Jews from Egypt. The word Pesach means “Passover” recalling the “passing over” of G‑d over the Jewish houses during the tenth plague of the slaying of the firstborn. The festival is also called Chag Hamatzot, the festival ofmatzot, and Zman Cheruteinoo, the Festival of our Freedom.
During this festival no leavened bread — Chametz— may be eaten or found in the home of a Jew. Chametz includes cake, cereals, crackers, biscuits, yeast, pasta and whisky.
Preparations for the festival start early as the whole house is spring-cleaned and any Chametz removed. Finally, the kitchen is koshered for Pesach. Separate sets of pots, pans, crockery and cutlery are used on Pesach.
The highlight of Pesach is the Seder— the meal on the first two nights ofPesach [N.B. in Israel there is only one Seder night]. Shop well in advance for all Pesach needs, such as wine, matza, meat/poultry, fish, eggs, lettuce, horseradish etc. All items should have “Kosher for Passover” labels.
The Shabbat before Pesach is called Shabbat Hagadol,and it is customary on this Shabbat for the Rabbi to teach the congregation the laws of Pesach.
Read More Main Article:
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/2313774/jewish/Chapter-7-The-Festivals.htm