how long does passover last
Passover lasts 7 days in Israel and 8 days in most Jewish communities outside Israel. It begins at sunset on the first evening and ends at nightfall on the final day.
Why it varies
- The Torah sets Passover at 7 days.
- An extra day is traditionally observed in the Diaspora, which is why many calendars show 8 days.
- Some Reform communities observe 7 days even outside Israel.
Simple example
If Passover starts on a Friday evening, it ends:
- Saturday night in Israel after 7 days.
- Sunday night in many places outside Israel after 8 days.
Quick answer
So the shortest accurate answer is: Passover lasts 7 days in Israel and 8 days elsewhere.