What does Passover (Pesach) commemorate?

Passover, or Pesach, commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, a foundational event in Jewish history. This festival is rooted in the biblical narrative of the Exodus, where God delivered the Israelites from bondage, highlighting themes of freedom and deliverance.

During Passover, rituals and symbols, such as the Seder meal and the eating of matzah (unleavened bread), serve to remind participants of the hardships endured by their ancestors and the miraculous nature of their escape. The story is traditionally recounted through the Haggadah during the Seder, emphasizing the importance of remembering these events for future generations.

The other options reflect important aspects of Jewish tradition but do not specifically pertain to the main focus of Pesach. For instance, the celebration of the harvest is typically linked to Shavuot, while the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai is celebrated during another significant holiday known as Shavuot. Additionally, remembering ancestors might be a focus during Yom Kippur or other moments of reflection, but it does not encapsulate the essence of the Passover celebration. Thus, the focus on liberation from slavery is what makes choice A the correct answer.