Passover 2027: Complete Dates, Calendar & Observance Guide

When is Passover 2027?

Passover 2027 begins at sunset on Wednesday, April 14, 2027, and ends at nightfall on Thursday, April 22, 2027.

The eight-day festival commemorates the Exodus from Egypt when Moses led the Israelites out of slavery over 3,300 years ago.

Passover 2027 Full Calendar

Note: Israel observes 7 days (ending April 21) with one Seder night only.

Why Passover 2027 is Unique

Mid-Week Start Creates Challenges

Passover 2027 begins on Wednesday evening.

This means families need careful planning.

The Challenge:

• Most people work Monday-Friday
• Seder falls on a weeknight
• Children have school Thursday
• Less time for travel

The Opportunity:

• Take 3-4 vacation days
• Get 10 consecutive days off
• Perfect for extended family visits
• Ideal for Passover programs abroad

Shabbat Falls Mid-Festival

Saturday, April 17 is both Shabbat and Chol Hamoed.

This creates special observances.

What This Means:

• No cooking allowed on Saturday
• Prepare food Friday before sunset
• Special Shabbat prayers added
• Beautiful spiritual atmosphere

Spring Weather Peak

Mid-April offers ideal spring conditions.

Perfect for:

• Outdoor Seders in warm climates
• Family travel and reunions
• Opening windows during cleaning
• Pleasant temperatures nationwide

Passover 2027 Detailed Schedule

Before Passover Begins

Fast of the Firstborn
Tuesday, April 13, 2027

Firstborn sons traditionally fast.

Many attend a siyum (Torah completion ceremony) to break the fast.

This commemorates the plague of the firstborn in Egypt.

Search for Chametz (Bedikat Chametz)
Tuesday evening, April 13, 2027

After dark, families search for leavened bread.

Use a candle, feather, and wooden spoon.

Children love this ceremonial hunt.

Hide 10 pieces of bread around your home.

Burning Chametz (Biur Chametz)
Wednesday morning, April 14, 2027 (before 10:30 AM)

Burn all collected chametz.

Recite the nullification formula in Aramaic.

This is your last chance to dispose of leavened products.

After this time, no chametz may be owned or consumed.

The Seder Nights: April 14-15, 2027

First Seder – Wednesday, April 14

The Seder begins after nightfall (approximately 8:00-8:30 PM).

Wait until three stars appear in the sky.

Candle Lighting Times (approximate):

• New York: 7:30 PM
• Los Angeles: 7:35 PM
• Chicago: 7:25 PM
• Miami: 7:45 PM
• Jerusalem: 6:35 PM
• London: 8:00 PM

The 15 Steps of the Seder:

1. Kadesh – Recite Kiddush over wine
2. Urchatz – Wash hands without blessing
3. Karpas – Eat vegetable dipped in salt water
4. Yachatz – Break the middle matzah
5. Maggid – Tell the Exodus story
6. Rachtzah – Wash hands with blessing
7. Motzi Matzah – Blessings over matzah
8. Maror – Eat bitter herbs
9. Korech – Hillel sandwich
10. Shulchan Orech – Festival meal
11. Tzafun – Eat the afikoman
12. Barech – Grace after meals
13. Hallel – Songs of praise
14. Nirtzah – Conclusion

Plan for 3-4 hours minimum.

Families with young children may take longer.

Make it engaging and interactive.

The goal is education, not speed.

Second Seder – Thursday, April 15

Repeat the entire Seder on the second night.

Same structure, same readings, same joy.

In the Diaspora, both nights are equally important.

Some families vary the menu slightly.

Begin counting the Omer on this night.

Work Restrictions During Passover 2027

No Work Allowed (Yom Tov Days)

First Two Days:

• Wednesday, April 14
• Thursday, April 15

Last Two Days:

• Tuesday, April 20
• Thursday, April 22

On these days:

• No creative work permitted
• No writing, driving, using electricity
• Cooking is allowed (unlike Shabbat)
• Can transfer fire from existing flame
• Attend synagogue services

Work Permitted (Chol Hamoed)

Intermediate Days:

• Friday, April 16
• Saturday, April 17 (Shabbat restrictions apply)
• Sunday, April 18
• Monday, April 19

During Chol Hamoed:

• Regular work is technically permitted
• Many take vacation these days
• Focus on family and celebration
• Continue avoiding chametz
• Wear tefillin (phylacteries)

Passover Food Laws 2027

What You Cannot Eat (Chametz)

For all eight days, avoid:

The Five Grains:

• Wheat
• Barley
• Rye
• Oats
• Spelt

When Leavened:

• Bread and rolls
• Pasta and noodles
• Cereal and crackers
• Cookies and cakes
• Beer and whiskey
• Most processed foods

Even trace amounts are prohibited.

Check all labels carefully.

Look for “Kosher for Passover” certification.

What You Can Eat

Always Permitted:

• Matzah (unleavened bread)
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Meat and poultry (properly kashered)
• Fish with fins and scales
• Eggs and dairy
• Potatoes and sweet potatoes
• Kosher wine and grape juice
• Oils (olive, vegetable, coconut)
• Quinoa (according to many authorities)

The Kitniyot Question:

Ashkenazi Jews traditionally avoid:

• Rice
• Corn
• Beans and lentils
• Peas
• Peanuts

Sephardic Jews permit these foods.

In recent years, some Ashkenazi communities have become more lenient.

Consult your rabbi for guidance.

Kosher for Passover Certification

Look for these symbols:

• OU-P (Orthodox Union Passover)
• OK-P (OK Kosher Passover)
• Star-K Passover
• CRC Passover
• Kof-K Passover

Don’t assume regular kosher items are Passover-approved.

The “P” designation is essential.

Synagogue Services: Passover 2027

Daily Morning Services

First Two Days (April 14-15):

• Full Hallel (songs of praise)
• Torah reading about the Exodus
• Musaf (additional service)
• Priestly blessing (in Israel and some diaspora communities)

Services last 3-4 hours.

Start around 9:00 AM.

Bring your own siddur if possible.

Intermediate Days (April 16-19):

• Partial Hallel (shortened version)
• Torah reading
• Regular weekday structure

Shorter services, about 45 minutes.

Last Two Days (April 20, 22):

• Full Hallel
• Torah reading: Crossing the Red Sea
• Song of the Sea (Shirat HaYam)
• Musaf service
• Yizkor memorial prayers (7th day)

Yizkor Memorial Service

Recited on Tuesday, April 20, 2027 (7th day).

This prayer remembers deceased relatives.

Many who still have living parents leave the sanctuary.

A deeply emotional moment in the service.

Light a memorial candle before the holiday.

Counting the Omer Begins

Starting Thursday evening, April 15, count 49 days to Shavuot.

Each night recite the blessing and count.

“Today is the first day of the Omer…”

This continues until Shavuot on June 4, 2027.

Preparing Your Home for Passover 2027

Timeline: 4 Weeks Before

Mid-March 2027:

Start planning early.

Make your menu.

Order specialty items online.

Book travel if visiting family.

Reserve hotel if doing a Passover program.

Begin using up chametz products.

2 Weeks Before

Early April 2027:

Deep clean your kitchen.

Start one room at a time.

Clean cars (major chametz trap!).

Go through kids’ backpacks and coat pockets.

Wash or vacuum furniture.

Purchase non-perishable Passover foods.

1 Week Before

April 7-13, 2027:

Kashering kitchen (if you do this):

• Boil large pots
• Blowtorch countertops (stone only)
• Clean oven thoroughly
• Cover surfaces with foil/contact paper

Purchase perishable items.

Cook dishes that freeze well.

Prepare charoset, gefilte fish, brisket.

Final Days

April 12-13, 2027:

Finish all cooking.

Set up Seder table and plate.

Hide bread for Bedikat Chametz search.

Pack away all chametz.

Sell chametz to non-Jew (through rabbi).

Get ingredients ready for Seder plate.

The Seder Plate: What You Need

Six Symbolic Foods

1. Maror (Bitter Herbs)
Horseradish root, symbolizing slavery’s bitterness.

Prepare to cry—it’s potent!

2. Charoset
Sweet mixture of apples, nuts, wine, cinnamon.

Represents the mortar used by Hebrew slaves.

Dozens of regional recipes exist.

3. Karpas (Vegetable)
Usually parsley or celery.

Dipped in salt water (tears of slavery).

4. Zeroa (Roasted Shank Bone)
Represents the Paschal sacrifice.

Vegetarians may substitute a roasted beet.

5. Beitzah (Roasted Egg)
Symbolizes the festival sacrifice.

Also represents mourning and renewal.

6. Chazeret (Second Bitter Herb)
Usually romaine lettuce.

Used for the Hillel sandwich.

Additional Seder Requirements

Three Matzot:
Placed in a special cover or bag.

The middle one gets broken for afikoman.

Four Cups of Wine:
Each person drinks four full cups.

Use kosher wine or grape juice.

Children may have diluted grape juice.

Elijah’s Cup:
Fill a fifth cup for the prophet Elijah.

Don’t drink from this one!

Open the door when you welcome Elijah.

Salt Water:
Tears of the Hebrew slaves.

Make fresh for each Seder.

Haggadah:
One for each participant.

Many families use different versions.

Consider illustrated ones for children.

Passover 2027 Vacation Planning

School Breaks

Most Jewish schools align spring break with Passover.

Typical Break: April 14-22, 2027 (full festival)

Some schools: April 11-25, 2027 (extended)

Public schools vary by district.

Check your local calendar early.

Travel Considerations

Peak Travel Times:

• April 11-14 (pre-Passover)
• April 22-23 (post-Passover returns)

Book flights early.

Prices spike 30-50% during Jewish holidays.

Popular Destinations:

Israel:

• Most popular Passover destination
• Warm weather in April
• Deeply meaningful experience
• Hotels fill up 6 months in advance

Florida:

• Miami Beach has dozens of Passover programs
• Warm weather guaranteed
• Large kosher infrastructure

Arizona/California:

• Resort programs in Phoenix, Scottsdale
• Palm Springs area popular
• Great weather

Europe:

• Prague has historic Seders
• Barcelona offers programs
• Active communities in major cities

Passover Hotel Programs

All-inclusive packages include:

✓ All meals (kosher for Passover)
✓ Two communal Seders with rabbis
✓ Daily prayer services
✓ Torah lectures and classes
✓ Kids’ programs and activities
✓ Entertainment (kosher for Passover)
✓ Pools, sports, recreation

Costs: $2,000-$10,000+ per person

Book by: October 2026 for best selection

Top Providers:

• Pesach.com
• Leisure Time Tours
• KMR Tours
• Total Travel Management

Shopping Guide: Passover 2027

Matzah: How Much to Buy

General Rule: 1-2 boxes per person

For a family of 4: 6-8 boxes minimum

Types Available:

• Regular matzah (machine-made)
• Handmade shmura matzah (round)
• Egg matzah (for elderly/sick only)
• Whole wheat matzah
• Gluten-free matzah (controversial)

When to Buy: March 2027

Prices drop as Passover approaches.

Stores discount remaining stock April 23+.

Essential Groceries

Proteins:

• Beef brisket (1 lb per 2 people)
• Chicken (plan extra)
• Fish (gefilte fish, salmon)
• Eggs (2-3 dozen)

Produce:

• Potatoes (gold standard Passover food)
• Fresh herbs for Seder plate
• Salad vegetables
• Fruits for dessert

Passover Products:

• Matzah meal and cake meal
• Potato starch
• Passover noodles
• Passover candy for kids
• Kosher wine (4 bottles minimum per adult)

Pantry:

• Oils (olive, vegetable)
• Sugar and salt
• Spices (check certification)
• Tea and coffee (certified)

Budget Planning

Typical Costs for Family of 4:

• Groceries: $400-800
• Wine: $100-200
• Matzah: $60-100
• Seder supplies: $50-100
• Total: $610-1,200

Prices higher in 2027 due to inflation.

Plan ahead and shop sales.

Traditional Passover Foods 2027

Seder Night Classics

Matzah Ball Soup
Light, fluffy dumplings in chicken broth.

Make balls in advance, freeze them.

Cook in broth right before serving.

Gefilte Fish
Ground fish patties, served cold.

Jarred versions work fine.

Top with horseradish.

Brisket
Slow-cooked beef in savory sauce.

The quintessential Passover main dish.

Make 1-2 days ahead.

Roasted Chicken
Simple, reliable, kid-friendly.

Season with salt, pepper, garlic.

Charoset
Sweet apple-nut mixture.

Every family has their recipe.

Ashkenazi style uses apples, walnuts, wine.

Sephardic versions include dates, figs.

Tzimmes
Sweet carrot stew with dried fruit.

Symbolizes sweetness and prosperity.

Can be made pareve or with meat.

Modern Passover Cooking

Flourless Chocolate Cake
Rich, decadent dessert.

Uses only eggs, chocolate, sugar.

Naturally Passover-friendly.

Quinoa Salad
Controversial but increasingly accepted.

Check with your rabbi.

Great protein source.

Zucchini Noodles
Low-carb alternative to pasta.

Use spiralizer.

Top with marinara sauce.

Cauliflower Everything
Pizza crust, rice substitute, mashed.

Passover pushed culinary creativity.

Passover 2027: Educational Resources

For Children

Four Questions (Ma Nishtana)
Traditionally asked by youngest child.

Practice before the Seder.

Use transliteration if needed.

Afikoman Hunt
Hide the broken matzah.

Kids search after dinner.

Winner gets a prize.

Builds excitement and engagement.

Ten Plagues
Blood, Frogs, Lice, Wild Beasts, Pestilence
Boils, Hail, Locusts, Darkness, Death of Firstborn

Use props or finger puppets.

Makes story memorable.

For Adults

Study Resources:

• My Jewish Learning (https://www.myjewishlearning.com)
  Comprehensive holiday explanations
• Chabad.org (https://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover)
  Traditional perspectives and customs
• Reform Judaism (https://reformjudaism.org)
  Progressive interpretations
• Orthodox Union (https://www.ou.org/holidays/pesach/)
  Halachic guidelines and recipes

Regional Passover Customs 2027

Ashkenazi Traditions

Eastern European Jewish customs:

Food:

• Emphasis on potatoes
• Gefilte fish standard
• Charoset with apples and walnuts
• No kitniyot (rice, beans, corn)

Ritual:

• Open door for Elijah
• Pour out wine for 10 plagues
• Sing “Dayenu” enthusiastically

Sephardic Traditions

Mediterranean and Middle Eastern customs:

Food:

• Rice permitted
• Charoset with dates, figs, pistachios
• Lamb often featured
• Elaborate kitniyot dishes

Ritual:

• Hit each other with scallions during “Dayenu”
• Different melodies for prayers
• Unique Haggadah additions

Mizrahi Traditions

Middle Eastern Jewish customs:

Food:

• Iraqi Jews: kubbeh soup
• Persian Jews: gondi (dumplings)
• Yemenite Jews: spicy zhug sauce

Unique Customs:

• Walking with matzah on shoulders
• Re-enacting the Exodus
• Special songs in Judeo-Arabic

Passover 2027 vs Other Years

Notice the Pattern:

• Passover moves around each year.
• It follows the Hebrew lunar calendar.
• Always begins on 15 Nissan.
• But Gregorian dates shift by 11 days annually.
• Adjusted periodically with leap months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What day does Passover 2027 start?
A: Wednesday, April 14, 2027, after sunset (approximately 8:00-8:30 PM depending on location).

Q: How long is Passover 2027?
A: Eight days in the Diaspora (April 14-22), seven days in Israel (April 14-21).

Q: When is the Seder in 2027?
A: First Seder is Wednesday evening, April 14. Second Seder is Thursday evening, April 15.

Q: Can I work during Passover 2027?
A: No work on the first two days (April 14-15) and last two days (April 20, 22). Work is permitted on intermediate days (April 16-19).

Q: When does Passover 2027 end?
A: Thursday, April 22, 2027, at nightfall (approximately 8:30 PM). After three stars appear, Passover is over.

Q: What is the Hebrew year for Passover 2027?
A: 5787 on the Hebrew calendar (15-22 Nissan 5787).

Q: Why does Passover change dates every year?
A: Passover follows the Hebrew lunar calendar, not the Gregorian solar calendar. It always falls on 15 Nissan but this translates to different Gregorian dates annually.

Q: Can I eat rice on Passover 2027?
A: It depends on your tradition. Sephardic Jews permit rice (kitniyot). Ashkenazi Jews traditionally avoid it, though some communities are becoming more lenient.

Q: When should I start preparing for Passover 2027?
A: Begin planning in mid-March 2027. Start cleaning 2-4 weeks before. Do major cooking the week before. Finish all preparations by April 13.

Q: What time is the Seder on April 14, 2027?
A: The Seder begins after nightfall, when three stars are visible. This varies by location but generally 8:00-8:30 PM. Check your local Jewish calendar for exact times.

Q: How much matzah do I need for Passover 2027?
A: Plan for 1-2 boxes per person for the eight days. A family of four needs approximately 6-8 boxes.

After Passover 2027

Chametz Returns

After nightfall on April 22, 2027, chametz is permitted again.

Many people buy fresh bread immediately.

It tastes amazing after eight days without!

Pizza and bagels are popular first foods.

Counting the Omer Continues

Keep counting 49 days until Shavuot.

Shavuot 2027: June 4-5, 2027

This completes the Passover-to-Shavuot journey.

From physical freedom to spiritual revelation.

Chametz Purchase

If you sold your chametz to a non-Jew, buy it back through your rabbi.

Most synagogues handle this automatically.

The sale is legally binding but reversed after Passover.

Passover 2027: Historical Context

3,339 Years of Freedom

Passover 2027 marks over three millennia since the Exodus.

The traditional dating: 1312 BCE (Hebrew year 2448).

For 3,339 years, Jews have told this story.

Downloadable Resources

Passover 2027 Materials:

• PDF Calendar (printable)
• Seder Preparation Checklist
• Shopping List Template
• Cleaning Schedule
• Google Calendar Import (.ics)
• Children’s Activity Sheets

[Note: Your site would provide these downloads]

Related Jewish Holidays 2027

Before Passover:

• Purim: March 13-14, 2027
• Fast of the Firstborn: April 13, 2027

After Passover:

• Lag BaOmer: May 9, 2027
• Shavuot: June 4-5, 2027
• Tisha B’Av: July 18, 2027

Fall Holidays:

• Rosh Hashanah: September 7-8, 2027
• Yom Kippur: September 16, 2027
• Sukkot: September 21-28, 2027
• Simchat Torah: September 29, 2027

Winter Holidays:

• Hanukkah: December 24, 2027 – January 1, 2028

Verification Note

All dates verified against:

• Hebrew calendar astronomical calculations
• Traditional rabbinic authorities
• Contemporary Jewish organizations

Disclaimer:
For questions about specific religious practices, consult your local rabbi or Jewish authority. Customs vary among communities

Chag Pesach Sameach!
Happy Passover 2027!

Related:

Jewish Holiday Calendar 2027

Passover 2026

Passover 2028

Passover 2029

Passover 2030