חַג פֶּסַח שָׂמֵחַ
Chag Pesach Same'ach
“Happy Passover”
Chag Pesach Same'ach (חַג פֶּסַח שָׂמֵחַ) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “happy passover,” pronounced “khag PE-sakh sa-ME-akh.” The literal translation is “happy holiday of passover (passing over).” The greeting for Pesach (Passover), the spring festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt.
| Hebrew | חַג פֶּסַח שָׂמֵחַ |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Chag Pesach Same'ach |
| English Meaning | Happy Passover |
| Literal Translation | Happy holiday of Passover (passing over) |
| Pronunciation | khag PE-sakh sa-ME-akh |
| Category | Celebrations & Holidays |
| Origin | Biblical — from Exodus 12, where God instructs the Israelites to mark their doorposts with lamb's blood so that the Angel of Death will 'pass over' their homes. Pesach is one of the three pilgrim festivals (Shalosh Regalim) mentioned in the Torah. |
| Scripture Reference | Exodus 12:27 |
Passover is the foundational story of the Jewish people — the night God liberated an enslaved nation and forged them into a people. When you say Chag Pesach Same'ach, you're invoking a narrative that has been retold at dinner tables every spring for over 3,000 years. The word Pesach means 'passing over,' referring to God passing over the Israelite homes marked with lamb's blood during the tenth plague in Egypt. The Passover Seder — the elaborate ritual dinner with its symbolic foods, four cups of wine, and retelling of the Exodus — is the most widely observed Jewish ritual in the world, even among secular Jews.
Scripture Reference: Exodus 12:27
“It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt.”
Where Does “Chag Pesach Same'ach” Come From?
Biblical — from Exodus 12, where God instructs the Israelites to mark their doorposts with lamb's blood so that the Angel of Death will 'pass over' their homes. Pesach is one of the three pilgrim festivals (Shalosh Regalim) mentioned in the Torah.
When and How to Say “Chag Pesach Same'ach”
Used during the week of Passover (March-April). Also common: 'Chag Kasher v'Same'ach' (A kosher and happy holiday), acknowledging the strict dietary laws of Passover. Among Ashkenazi Jews, 'Gut Yontif' (Good Holiday in Yiddish) is also heard.
Cultural Context of Chag Pesach Same'ach
Passover preparation in Israel is a national event — stores switch out all leavened products for matzah and Passover goods weeks in advance. The Seder night is the biggest family gathering of the year, with even secular Israeli families participating. The phrase 'Next year in Jerusalem!' closes every Seder worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “Happy Passover” in Hebrew?
“Happy Passover” in Hebrew is Chag Pesach Same'ach (חַג פֶּסַח שָׂמֵחַ), pronounced “khag PE-sakh sa-ME-akh.” The literal translation is “Happy holiday of Passover (passing over).” The greeting for Pesach (Passover), the spring festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt.
How do you pronounce Chag Pesach Same'ach?
Chag Pesach Same'ach is pronounced “khag PE-sakh sa-ME-akh.” The literal meaning is “Happy holiday of Passover (passing over).”
What is a Passover Seder?
The Seder (meaning 'order') is the ritual dinner on the first night(s) of Passover. It follows a specific order of 15 steps including drinking four cups of wine, eating symbolic foods (matzah, bitter herbs, charoset), and reading the Haggadah — the retelling of the Exodus story. It's the most observed Jewish ritual worldwide.
Why is bread forbidden on Passover?
When the Israelites fled Egypt, they left in such haste that their bread dough had no time to rise (Exodus 12:39). To commemorate this, Jews eat matzah (unleavened bread) and avoid all chametz (leavened grain products) for the entire week of Passover. This includes bread, pasta, cake, beer, and more.
When is Passover celebrated?
Passover begins on the 15th of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar, which falls in March or April. In Israel it lasts seven days; in the diaspora, eight days. The Seder is held on the first night (and second night in the diaspora). It always falls near or overlaps with Easter.
Sources & Further Study
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