Passover 2026

The Seder includes many unique prayers and rituals from the Haggadah: the Four Questions (Mah Nishtanah), Maggid (telling the Exodus story), Hallel (psalms of praise), the blessing over matzah, the blessing for maror (bitter herbs), and various songs like Dayenu and Chad Gadya.

Before Passover, Jews perform Bedikat Chametz (searching for leavened bread) with a candle, feather, and wooden spoon. A blessing is recited before the search, and afterward, the Kol Chamira declaration nullifies any unseen chametz. The next morning, Biur Chametz (burning the chametz) is performed.

Beginning on the second night of Passover, Jews count the Omer for 49 days until Shavuot. Each night, a blessing is recited followed by stating the day number. This period connects the physical freedom of Passover to the spiritual freedom of receiving the Torah on Shavuot.

Full Hallel is recited on the first two days of Passover (first day only in Israel). Half Hallel is recited on the remaining days because the Egyptians, who were also God's creations, drowned in the sea. Hallel is also part of the Seder on the first nights.