Passover (Pesach)
The Festival of Freedom, commemorating the Exodus from Egypt.
Passover begins on 15 Nisan in the Hebrew calendar, usually in late March or April. It lasts seven days in Israel and eight days in most diaspora communities, beginning at sundown with the first Seder.
When Is Passover (Pesach)?
Passover begins on 15 Nisan in the Hebrew calendar, usually in late March or April. It lasts seven days in Israel and eight days in most diaspora communities, beginning at sundown with the first Seder.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Passover is one of the most important Jewish holidays, celebrating the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery under the leadership of Moses. It is an annual reminder to pursue freedom and justice for all people.
How It Is Observed
The Passover Seder, a ritual meal with symbolic foods, the reading of the Haggadah, the retelling of the Exodus story. Eating matzah (unleavened bread) for 7 or 8 days, removing all chametz (leavened products).
Sacred Text
“This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD, a lasting ordinance.”
, Exodus 12:14 ↗