פסח
Passover in Israel
Passover (Pesach) commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. It is one of the three pilgrimage festivals and is celebrated with the Seder meal, the telling of the Exodus story, and the eating of matzah (unleavened bread) for seven or eight days.
When is Passover 2026 in Israel?
Begins at sunset
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Ends at nightfall
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Note: In Israel, Passover ends on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Outside Israel (diaspora), it ends one day later on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
View diaspora datesPassover begins on the 15th of Nisan, typically in March or April. The Seder is held on the first night (first two nights outside Israel). The festival lasts seven days in Israel and eight days in the diaspora.
Significance
Passover celebrates freedom and the birth of the Jewish nation. The Seder retells the Exodus story, and eating matzah recalls that the Israelites left Egypt in such haste that their bread did not have time to rise. The holiday emphasizes themes of liberation and renewal.
Passover Prayers
View the complete collection of prayers and blessings for Passover in Hebrew and English.
Frequently Asked Questions About Passover
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.
About Passover in Israel
This page provides Passover dates specifically for those observing in Israel, where the holiday duration differs from the diaspora. In Israel, many holidays are observed for one fewer day, following the original biblical commandment.
Looking for prayers? Am Hazak provides the complete text for Passover prayers in Hebrew with English translations. Visit our Passover prayers page for blessings and liturgy.