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Image: Tomertu/Getty ImagesPassover, or Pesach, is a pivotal observance in Judaism, commemorating the liberation of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. According to the Biblical narrative, the Jews were spared from the Angel of Death when they marked their doorways with lamb’s blood.
Passover begins on the 15th day of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar, which aligns with a full moon. However, the Jewish calendar is based on lunar cycles, which makes it 11 days shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar, causing Passover to shift annually between March and April.
In 2023, Passover will begin at sundown on April 5 and end at sundown on Thursday, April 13. (For those planning ahead, Passover in 2024 will take place from April 22 to April 30.)
Curious about the details of this important Jewish celebration? Take a look at our Passover FAQ section for more information.
Passover FAQ
Why is Passover observed from sundown to sundown?
Jewish holidays (including the Jewish Sabbath) traditionally begin at sundown, as the Bible's creation story tells of night preceding day. This custom is followed during most Jewish observances, as explained by ReformJudaism.org.
Is Passover observed for seven or eight days?
The answer: It varies! In Israel, Passover lasts for seven days, but many Jewish communities outside Israel observe it for eight days. This tradition began centuries ago when Jews living outside Israel couldn’t always pinpoint the exact start of the holiday, so they celebrated for two days just to be sure.
Although some Reform Jews living outside Israel have returned to the seven-day schedule followed in Israel, many continue to observe Passover for eight days.
Why is Passover celebrated over several days?
Pesach is timed to commemorate the seven-day journey of the Israelites as they fled Egypt to their new home, which is why the holiday spans multiple days.
When is the Seder dinner typically held?
The Seder dinner is traditionally celebrated on the first night of Passover, or on both the first and second nights for those observing the eight-day Pesach tradition. The meal features specific foods like matzah (unleavened bread), bitter herbs, wine, and charoset, a paste made of wine, fruit, and nuts. There are guidelines for what can be served at a Seder, and we have some simple and delicious Seder recipes to enhance your meal this year—plus don’t forget those Passover desserts!
How long does the Seder dinner last?
The Seder meal includes numerous readings, songs, and other ceremonial steps (15 in total) before the actual meal begins. So if you’re attending a friend’s Seder, make sure you're not hungry right away—it will take some time before dinner is served.
How do Passover and Easter coincide?
If you observe typical Christian holidays, you might already know that Easter moves around each spring—and Passover plays a role in that timing. In the New Testament, the Last Supper took place as Jesus was observing Passover with his disciples. After his crucifixion, his resurrection occurred on the following Sunday. While early Christians often celebrated Easter alongside Passover, today Easter is observed on the first Sunday after the Paschal full moon, which in 2023 falls on April 9th. (Due to the Hebrew calendar being lunar, Easter frequently coincides with Passover.)
