Before the large-scale migration of Beta Israel Jews from Ethiopia to Israel, Passover was observed according to longstanding Ethiopian Jewish practices. Known as Pes’cha (or Fasika in Amharic) to Beta Israel communities, the holiday emphasized careful preparation and oral retelling of the Passover story led by Kessim (religious leaders) instead of a formal seder structure. The Exodus story is shared across the Jewish world, but the ways it is remembered vary by community.
About this Learning Module: This learning module explores how Beta Israel communities traditionally observed Passover, with attention to the religious practices, foods, and communal traditions that shaped the holiday.The focus is primarily on historical Beta Israel practice in Ethiopia, and contemporary Ethiopian Jewish observance varies across families and communities.
Guiding Questions: How do we remember and pass down the stories and traditions that shape our communities?
How do the ways we remember and pass down stories shape our traditions and sense of belonging?
Learning Goals: Through this module, learners will have opportunities to:
1. Identify key practices associated with traditional Beta Israel observance of Pes’cha.
2. Explore the role of Kessim in communal life and in preserving the Exodus narrative.
3. Reflect on how shared Jewish histories and religious texts can be expressed through different communal traditions.
Who is this for?: This module is designed for educators, students, community leaders, families, and independent learners. Materials may be explored in sequence as a complete learning experience or selected individually according to your interests, and available time.
Pes’cha: Passover in Beta Israel Tradition
Foundational Learning: If you are new to Beta Israel history and religious life, we recommend beginning with Orit Jewish Learning's Introduction to Beta Israel (Ethiopian Jews) for a basic introduction and background on the Orit, the religious leadership of Kessim, and the historical development of Beta Israel tradition
Pes’cha: Passover in Beta Israel Tradition
Pes’cha: Passover in Beta Israel Tradition
2. Reflect: Use reflection and discussion questions to explore the significance of these traditions and what they tell about the Jewish story
Explore reflection and discussion questions about Ethiopian Jewish Passover, communal memory, religious traditions, and the story of the Exodus.
Pes’cha: Passover in Beta Israel Tradition
1. Explore: Begin with the historical overview of Pes’cha to learn about traditional Beta Israel Passover practices.
Learn how Beta Israel communities traditionally observed Passover through holiday preparations, food, communal prayer, and the retelling of the Exodus.
Pes’cha: Passover in Beta Israel Tradition
3. Connect: Use the Beta Israel Pes’cha: What's on the Table? graphic as a visual reference or a starting point for conversation.
Discover Ethiopian Jewish Passover traditions through a visual guide to Pes’cha, highlighting traditional foods, religious practices, and communal observances.