How to Celebrate Passover
Begins the 15th of Nisan (March or April), lasting seven days in Israel and eight in many communities outside it
Passover, or Pesach, retells the Exodus, the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The name recalls how the tenth plague passed over the homes of the Israelites, sparing them.
It is a festival of freedom and memory. Families gather to relive the journey from bondage to liberation, teaching each new generation that the story is not merely history but a personal inheritance.
How It Is Celebrated
The seder
On the first night, and often the second, families hold a seder, an ordered meal that follows the Haggadah through readings, symbolic foods, four cups of wine, and song.
Removing chametz
In the days before Passover, homes are cleaned of chametz, any leavened grain product, recalling the haste of the Exodus when there was no time for bread to rise.
Eating matzah
Unleavened matzah replaces bread for the entire holiday, a central symbol of the flight from Egypt.
The Four Questions and the afikomen
The youngest at the table asks why this night is different, opening the retelling, and children search for the hidden piece of matzah called the afikomen.
Traditional Foods
Matzah
The unleavened flatbread eaten throughout the holiday in place of all leavened bread.
Matzo ball soup
Fluffy dumplings of matzo meal in a clear chicken broth, a beloved seder starter. See the recipe.
Beef brisket
Slow-braised brisket is a classic centerpiece of the seder meal. See the recipe.
Charoset
A sweet paste of apples, nuts, wine, and cinnamon on the seder plate, symbolizing the mortar used by enslaved Israelites.
Greetings
Happy Passover
The plain English greeting, appropriate from anyone.
Chag Pesach Sameach
Happy Passover holiday in Hebrew.
Chag Kasher V'Sameach
A happy and kosher holiday, acknowledging the special Passover dietary rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a seder?
A seder is the ordered ceremonial meal held on the first night or two of Passover. Guided by a book called the Haggadah, it retells the Exodus through readings, symbolic foods, four cups of wine, and songs.
Why is bread not eaten during Passover?
Leavened bread, called chametz, is avoided to recall the haste of the Exodus, when the Israelites left Egypt so quickly their dough had no time to rise. Unleavened matzah is eaten instead.
How long does Passover last?
Passover lasts seven days in Israel and among Reform communities, and eight days in many traditional communities outside Israel.
Keep Exploring
Read the full history and traditions in our Passover holiday guide, browse traditional Jewish recipes, look up terms in the glossary, or see the dates on the Hebrew calendar.