Passover usually lasts 7 or 8 days, depending on where and how it’s observed.

How long is Passover?

  • In Israel and for many Reform Jews: Passover is 7 days long.
  • In most Orthodox and Conservative communities outside Israel (the Diaspora): Passover is 8 days long.

The holiday begins on the evening of the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan and continues through day 7 (in Israel/Reform) or day 8 (in the Diaspora).

Why 7 vs 8 days?

  • The Torah describes Passover as a 7‑day festival, starting on 15 Nisan, with the first and seventh days as full festival days when regular work is avoided.
  • Outside ancient Israel, an extra day was historically added because communities far from Jerusalem could be uncertain about the exact date, so they kept festivals for an additional day to avoid celebrating on the wrong day.
  • That Diaspora custom of observing 8 days for Passover continued, even after the calendar became fixed and computable.

Practical snapshot

  • Start: Evening of 15 Nisan (first Seder is that evening, second Seder on the next evening in many Diaspora communities).
  • End:
    • Israel / many Reform communities: sunset at the end of day 7.
* Orthodox / Conservative outside Israel: sunset at the end of day 8.

So if you’re asking “how long is Passover?” in general: say seven days in Israel, eight days in most communities outside Israel.