How many days till Passover?

How many days till Passover?

A summary

Passover celebrates the Exodus, the freedom from slavery of the Israelites from Ancient Egypt that followed the Ten Plagues. Passover lasts for 8 days and then ends at nightfall.

Shavuot follows 49 days from the second night of Passover.

Date and days to Passover

The calendar date and days to go until Passover are as follows:

What is Passover?

Passover, also known as Pesach in Hebrew, is a major Jewish festival that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt, as described in the biblical Book of Exodus. It is one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays and typically falls in the spring.

What is special about Passover?

Here are some key aspects and traditions associated with Passover:

• Dates: Passover begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan and lasts for seven days in Israel. Outside of Israel, it is observed for eight days. The holiday typically falls in March or April on the Gregorian calendar.
• Seder: The focal point of Passover is the Seder, a special ceremonial meal held on the first two nights (and sometimes additional nights) of the holiday. The word “Seder” means “order” in Hebrew, and the meal follows a specific order outlined in the Haggadah, a Passover guidebook.
• Matzah: Matzah, unleavened bread, is a central element of Passover. It is traditionally eaten during the holiday to symbolize the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, not allowing their bread to rise. During Passover, leavened products (chametz) are avoided, and matzah is consumed instead.
• The Exodus Story: During the Seder, the Exodus story is retold through readings, songs, and discussions. The story focuses on the hardships of slavery, the ten plagues sent by God, the parting of the Red Sea, and the journey to freedom.
• Four Cups of Wine: Four cups of wine are traditionally consumed during the Seder, each representing a different aspect of the Exodus story and the promise of freedom. The cups are raised, and specific blessings are recited.
• The Seder Plate: The Seder plate contains symbolic foods that represent various aspects of the Exodus, including the roasted shank bone (symbolizing the Passover sacrifice), a boiled egg (symbolizing renewal), bitter herbs (symbolizing the bitterness of slavery), charoset (a sweet mixture representing mortar), and karpas (a green vegetable, often parsley, symbolizing spring and rebirth).
• Afikoman: A piece of matzah called the “afikoman” is hidden during the Seder, and children search for it. It is then broken and shared among all participants as the last food eaten during the meal.
• Family Gathering: Passover is a time for families to come together and celebrate. Many families host their own Seders at home, while others attend communal Seders at synagogues or community centers.
• Reflection and Tradition: Passover is a time for reflection on the themes of freedom, oppression, and redemption. It is also an opportunity to connect with Jewish heritage and tradition.
• Feasting: In addition to the symbolic foods of the Seder, a festive meal is enjoyed during Passover, featuring dishes that adhere to the dietary restrictions of the holiday.
• Cleaning and Removing Chametz: Before Passover, Jewish households engage in thorough cleaning to remove all traces of chametz (leavened products) from their homes. This process is called “bedikat chametz.”

Passover concludes with the final days of the holiday, during which chametz can be consumed again. A special prayer, “Yizkor,” is recited to remember deceased loved ones. Passover is a meaningful and culturally rich holiday that serves as a reminder of the Jewish people’s history and the enduring themes of liberation and freedom. It is a time for reflection, family, and tradition.

Frequently asked questions about Passover

More information about Passover can be found here.

All days and dates are based on Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5)