When is Passover 2026?
Passover 2026 begins on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at sundown and ends on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
The first night of Passover 2026 is April 1, and the last day of Passover 2026 is April 9.
Passover—known as Pesach in Hebrew—is celebrated according to the Jewish calendar, starting on the 15th day of Nisan. The festival lasts seven days in Israel and eight days in the diaspora.
When Does Passover 2026 Start and End?
Passover 2026 starts at sundown on Wednesday, April 1, and ends at nightfall on Thursday, April 9.
- First Night of Passover 2026: Wednesday, April 1
- Last Day of Passover 2026: Thursday, April 9
In the Jewish calendar, this corresponds to 15–22 Nisan 5786.
Key Rituals and Traditions During Passover 2026
Passover centers around storytelling, symbolism, and faith. Here are the main traditions:
1. The Seder Nights
The first two nights (only the first in Israel) feature the Passover Seder, a ritual meal that includes:
- The retelling of the Exodus story
- Drinking four cups of wine
- Eating symbolic foods (matzah, bitter herbs, charoset)
2. Avoiding Chametz
Jews remove and avoid eating any leavened bread or grains during Passover. This includes bread, pasta, and most baked goods.
3. Eating Matzah
Matzah is unleavened bread that symbolizes both poverty and freedom.
4. Special Prayers and Readings
During synagogue services, Jews recite Hallel (songs of praise) and read the story of the Exodus from the Torah.
Can Jews Work During Passover 2026?
- No work is permitted on the first two days and the last two days of Passover.
- Limited work is allowed during the intermediate days (Chol Hamoed), though many take time off to celebrate with family.
How to Prepare for Passover 2026
To fully observe Passover, preparation begins weeks in advance. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Clean Your Home: Remove all chametz (leavened foods).
- Stock Up on Kosher for Passover Foods: Purchase matzah, wine, and special ingredients.
- Plan Your Seder Menu: Include symbolic foods like charoset, bitter herbs, and a roasted shank bone.
- Set the Seder Table: Arrange the Seder plate and Haggadahs for guests.
- Learn or Review the Passover Story: This enhances the meaning of the celebration.
See list of Jewish Holidays in 2026
Passover 2026 and Related Holidays
Passover often overlaps or aligns closely with other important observances:
- Palm Sunday 2026: March 29, 2026
- Easter Sunday 2026: April 5, 2026
- Good Friday 2026: April 3, 2026
FAQs
When does Passover 2026 start and end?
Passover 2026 begins at sundown on Wednesday, April 1, and ends at nightfall on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
What are the first and last days of Passover 2026?
First night of Passover 2026: April 1
Last day of Passover 2026: April 9
How many days is Passover 2026?
It lasts 7 days in Israel and 8 days in the diaspora.
Can Jews work during Passover 2026?
Work is prohibited on the first two and last two days, but allowed with restrictions during Chol Hamoed (the intermediate days).
Final Thoughts
Passover 2026 is a time to reflect, gather, and celebrate freedom.
Mark your calendars: from April 1 to April 9, 2026, Jews around the world will come together to honor an ancient story that continues to inspire hope and faith today.
Whether you’re preparing your Passover 2026 Jewish calendar, planning your first night of Passover 2026, or looking ahead to Passover 2027, understanding these key dates ensures your celebration is meaningful and well-prepared.