When is Passover 2026?
Passover 2026 begins at sundown on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 and concludes at nightfall on Thursday, April 9, 2026 (for those observing outside Israel). This eight-day festival commemorates one of the most significant events in Jewish history—the Exodus from ancient Egypt over 3,000 years ago.
According to Chabad.org, Passover always begins on the 15th day of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar, which corresponds to the first full moon after the spring equinox in most years.
Passover 2026 Calendar: Complete Date Overview
| Day | Gregorian Date | Day of Week | Hebrew Date | Observance | Work Status (Diaspora) | Work Status (Israel) |
| Eve | April 1, 2026 | Wednesday | 14 Nisan 5786 | Erev Pesach, First Seder | Preparation Day | Preparation Day |
| 1 | April 2, 2026 | Thursday | 15 Nisan 5786 | First Day of Passover | No Work (Yom Tov) | No Work (Yom Tov) |
| 2 | April 3, 2026 | Friday | 16 Nisan 5786 | Second Day of Passover | No Work (Yom Tov) | Work Permitted (Chol HaMoed) |
| 3 | April 4, 2026 | Saturday | 17 Nisan 5786 | Shabbat Chol HaMoed | No Work (Shabbat) | No Work (Shabbat) |
| 4 | April 5, 2026 | Sunday | 18 Nisan 5786 | Chol HaMoed | Limited Work Permitted | Limited Work Permitted |
| 5 | April 6, 2026 | Monday | 19 Nisan 5786 | Chol HaMoed | Limited Work Permitted | Limited Work Permitted |
| 6 | April 7, 2026 | Tuesday | 20 Nisan 5786 | Chol HaMoed | Limited Work Permitted | Limited Work Permitted |
| 7 | April 8, 2026 | Wednesday | 21 Nisan 5786 | Seventh Day of Passover | No Work (Yom Tov) | No Work (Yom Tov) |
| 8 | April 9, 2026 | Thursday | 22 Nisan 5786 | Eighth Day of Passover | No Work (Yom Tov) | Festival Ends |
Quick Reference Summary
- First Night (Seder): Wednesday, April 1, 2026 (after sundown)
- Second Seder Night: Thursday, April 2, 2026 (outside Israel only)
- Festival End Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026 (at nightfall for Diaspora)
- Hebrew Calendar Dates: 15-22 Nisan 5786
- Duration: 7 days in Israel, 8 days in the Diaspora
Passover 2026: Work and Holiday Observance Rules
Understanding when work is permitted during Passover 2026 is essential for proper observance:
Days When Work is Prohibited (Yom Tov)
Outside Israel:
- First two days: Thursday, April 2 and Friday, April 3, 2026
- Last two days: Wednesday, April 8 and Thursday, April 9, 2026
In Israel:
- First day: Thursday, April 2, 2026
- Last day: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
According to Reform Judaism, these restrictions parallel Shabbat observance, prohibiting activities like driving, using electronics, or conducting business transactions.
Chol HaMoed: The Intermediate Days
April 4-7, 2026 constitute Chol HaMoed (the “intermediate days”) when limited work is permitted. Many families use this time for outings, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations while maintaining Passover dietary restrictions. Orthodox communities typically consult rabbinic authorities about what activities are appropriate during these days.
Special Note for 2026: Three-Day Yom Tov
Passover 2026 presents a unique situation for Jews outside Israel. The first two Yom Tov days (Thursday and Friday, April 2-3) are immediately followed by Shabbat (Saturday, April 4), creating a three-day period of continuous restrictions. Totally Jewish Travel notes this requires careful advance preparation, particularly for cooking, which must be done using an eruv tavshilin.
The Seder (Hebrew for “order”) is the ritual meal held on the first night of Passover—or first two nights outside Israel. My Jewish Learning describes it as a 14-step ceremony that combines storytelling, symbolic foods, prayers, and songs to relive the Exodus experience.
The Four Cups of Wine
Throughout the Seder, participants drink four cups of wine or grape juice, each representing a different aspect of freedom promised in the Torah. The cups correspond to:
- Kiddush – Sanctification and freedom from bondage
- The Exodus Story – Deliverance from slavery
- Birkat Hamazon – Redemption and thanksgiving
- Hallel – Acceptance as God’s people
A fifth cup, known as the Cup of Elijah, is poured but left untouched, symbolizing future redemption and the hope for the prophet Elijah’s return.
The Seder Plate: Understanding Each Symbol
The Seder plate displays six symbolic foods, each with profound meaning:
Maror (Bitter Herbs) Typically horseradish or romaine lettuce, representing the bitterness of slavery.
Charoset A sweet mixture of apples, nuts, wine, and cinnamon representing the mortar used by enslaved Israelites to build Egyptian cities.
Karpas (Green Vegetable) Usually parsley, dipped in salt water symbolizing the tears shed during slavery and the renewal of spring.
Zeroah (Roasted Shank Bone) Represents the Passover lamb sacrifice offered at the ancient Temple in Jerusalem.
Beitzah (Roasted Egg) Symbolizes both the festival sacrifice and the cycle of life, mourning, and renewal.
Chazeret (Additional Bitter Herb) A second bitter vegetable used for the Hillel sandwich.
Essential Passover 2026 Preparation Checklist
Four Weeks Before Passover
- Begin menu planning for Seder meals
- Order specialty kosher-for-Passover foods
- Purchase new or reserve dedicated Passover dishes and cookware
- Start gradually using up chametz products
Two Weeks Before
- Deep clean kitchen, removing all traces of chametz
- Clean other rooms, focusing on areas where food is consumed
- Review or learn the Haggadah
- Finalize guest list and seating arrangements
One Week Before (March 25-31, 2026)
- Complete grocery shopping for Passover ingredients
- Prepare and freeze dishes that can be made ahead
- Change over kitchen to Passover dishes
- Arrange the Seder table and locate Haggadahs
Erev Passover (April 1, 2026)
- Morning: Burn remaining chametz
- Afternoon: Fast of the Firstborn (optional for firstborn males)
- Before Sunset: Final preparations, light candles
- After Nightfall: Begin the Seder
Traditional Passover 2026 Foods and Recipes
Classic Seder Menu
Appetizers:
- Gefilte fish with horseradish
- Chicken soup with matzah balls
Main Course:
- Beef brisket (the most popular choice)
- Roasted chicken
- Roasted root vegetables
Side Dishes:
- Potato kugel
- Tzimmes (sweet carrot dish)
- Sautéed asparagus
Desserts:
- Chocolate-covered matzah
- Flourless chocolate cake
- Coconut macaroons
Passover 2026 and Other Spring Holidays
Passover frequently overlaps with Christian observances. In 2026:
- Palm Sunday: March 29, 2026
- Good Friday: April 3, 2026 (during Passover)
- Easter Sunday: April 5, 2026 (during Chol HaMoed)
This proximity reflects the historical connection between Passover and Christian Holy Week, as Jesus’ Last Supper was likely a Passover Seder.
FAQs About Passover 2026
Q: When does Passover 2026 start and end?
Passover begins at sundown Wednesday, April 1, 2026, and ends at nightfall Thursday, April 9, 2026 (outside Israel). In Israel, it ends Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
Q: How long is Passover 2026?
Eight days in the Diaspora (outside Israel) and seven days in Israel. This dual observance began in ancient times to ensure proper calendar alignment.
Q: Can I work during Passover 2026?
Full work restrictions apply on April 2-3 and April 8-9 outside Israel. Limited work is permitted during Chol HaMoed (April 4-7).
Q: What is the difference between Passover in Israel and outside Israel?
Israel observes seven days with one Seder night, while the Diaspora observes eight days with two Seder nights—a practice dating to when calendar calculations were less certain.
Q: Is Passover the same as the Festival of Unleavened Bread?
While technically distinct in biblical texts, the terms are used interchangeably today. Passover proper refers to the sacrifice on the 14th of Nisan, while the Festival of Unleavened Bread encompasses the full seven/eight-day period.
Q: What happens if I accidentally eat chametz during Passover?
While the prohibition is serious, unintentional consumption is viewed differently than deliberate violation. Consult a rabbi if this occurs.
Planning Ahead: Future Passover Dates
Looking beyond 2026, here are upcoming Passover dates:
Final Thoughts on Passover 2026
Passover 2026 offers Jewish families worldwide an opportunity to reconnect with one of history’s most enduring narratives of liberation. From April 1-9, millions will gather around Seder tables, retell the Exodus story, and reflect on the meaning of freedom.
Whether you’re observing your first Passover or your hundredth, proper preparation ensures a meaningful celebration. Use this guide to plan your Passover 2026 observance, from understanding the essential dates to preparing traditional foods and teaching the story to the next generation.