The traditional Jewish Passover feast was celebrated on Sunday by the Iranian Jews residing in Isfahan province in central Iran, IRNA reported.

The Passover feast, during which the Jews eat the special consecrated bread, will continue for eight days.

Passover marks the anniversary of withdrawal of the Israeli clan from Egypt and their heading towards Jerusalem starting on the 15th day of the month of Neisan of the 5765th year of the world creation, coinciding with April 24, 2005.

The representative of the provincial Jews Association told IRNA that on this day, Moses was commissioned by the Lord to lead the Israelis from Egypt towards Jerusalem.

"The ritual ceremonies will continue for eight days, while the first two days and the last two days are official holidays, during which the Jews keep on praying.

"Baking the special consecrated bread and eating it is one of such traditions. The Jews firmly believe the bread to be holy and auspicious," he added.

He noted that during the Passover feast, out of respect for the consecrated bread, the Jews avoid eating any kind of baked paste such as cake and oven-baked breads.

"Among their six ancient ritual feasts, Passover is one of the most significant. On this day, the Jewish employees and pupils are officially discharged from their work and studies by the government to observe the relevant rituals," he concluded.

The Jewish population of Isfahan province, estimated to be two thousand, attend 11 provincial temples on Saturdays and other traditional feasts to observe their rituals and pray.

The Iranian Jews are represented in Majlis and have one seat.