Passover 2026: What to Know About the Jewish Holiday

The 8-day celebration commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:07am

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Passover, a major Jewish holiday celebrated by millions around the world, begins this week. The holiday always falls during the month of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar, which is typically March or April, and lasts for eight days except in Israel, where it is only seven. This year, Passover runs concurrently with the Christian Holy Week that begins on March 29 with Palm Sunday and ends on Easter on April 5.

Why it matters

Passover is a significant religious and cultural observance for Jewish communities worldwide, commemorating the Israelites' exodus from slavery in ancient Egypt. The holiday's traditions, rituals, and symbolic foods hold deep meaning and provide an opportunity for families to connect with their heritage.

The details

During Passover, families observe the multi-day holiday with special dinners, specific foods, and different practices around working and resting. The holiday centers around the Seder, a ceremonial dinner on the first two nights that includes eating symbolic foods like matzah and reciting the Haggadah, which tells the story of the Israelites' emancipation. Before Passover, families also cleanse their homes and search for 'chametz' items like bread crumbs, which are then burned if found.

  • Passover begins before sundown on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
  • Passover ends after nightfall on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Moses

The prophet who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, according to the Biblical story behind Passover.

Pharaoh

The ruler of ancient Egypt who initially refused to free the enslaved Israelites, leading to the 10 plagues that ultimately broke his resolve.

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What they’re saying

“Passover is a significant religious and cultural observance for Jewish communities worldwide, commemorating the Israelites' exodus from slavery in ancient Egypt.”

— Clémence Boulouque, Associate Professor of Jewish and Israel Studies, Columbia University

What’s next

After Passover ends, families from North Africa or the Middle East often celebrate the Mimouna, a festival in which they decorate with lights and have a feast.

The takeaway

Passover is a deeply meaningful holiday that allows Jewish families to connect with their heritage and traditions through symbolic foods, rituals, and the retelling of the Israelites' liberation from slavery. The holiday's observance, which varies by location, provides an opportunity for spiritual reflection and community celebration.