Passover 2026 begins on the evening of Wednesday, April 1. This major Jewish holiday commemorates the Exodus from Egypt, starting with the first Seder meal at sundown.

Key Dates

Observance varies slightly by location and tradition.

Location/Tradition| Begins (Sundown)| Ends (Nightfall)| Duration
---|---|---|---
Diaspora/Orthodox (e.g., US) 137| April 1, 2026 (Wed)| April 9, 2026 (Thu)| 8 days
Israel 35| April 1, 2026 (Wed)| April 8, 2026 (Wed)| 7 days
Reform (Israel) 3| April 1, 2026 (Wed)| April 8, 2026 (Wed)| 7 days

  • First Seder : April 1 evening everywhere; second Seder on April 2 for Diaspora communities.
  • Chol HaMoed (intermediate days): April 2–7 (or 2–6 in Israel), blending work with lighter observances.

Traditions and Significance

Passover, or Pesach, recalls freedom from slavery through rituals like matzah (unleavened bread), bitter herbs, and the Haggadah storytelling. Families clean homes of chametz (leavened foods) beforehand, emphasizing renewal in spring.

In 2026, falling early April aligns with typical timing, though Hebrew lunar calendar shifts it yearly—last year was later, next in 2027 starts April 21.

"Passover 2026 begins on Wednesday evening, April 1, and concludes on Thursday evening, April 9. For Jewish communities in the United States and the Diaspora, Passover lasts a total of eight days."

Variations in Practice

  • Diaspora : Extra day due to historical calendar uncertainties.
  • Israel : Biblical 7 days observed strictly.
  • Sephardic vs. Ashkenazi customs differ on foods like rice or kitniyot, adding personal flavor to Seders.

With March 21 today, preparations like kashering kitchens ramp up soon—many start weeks ahead for that perfect Seder plate.

TL;DR : Passover 2026 kicks off April 1 evening (8 days outside Israel, 7 inside).

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.