Passover

The Jewish spring festival celebrating freedom and family as we remember the Exodus from Egypt more than 3,000 years ago

What is Passover?

Passover (Pesach in Hebrew) is a major Jewish spring festival celebrating freedom and family as we remember the Exodus from Egypt more than 3,000 years ago. The main observances of this holiday center around a special home service called the sederSederסֵדֶר"Order;" ritual dinner that includes the retelling of the story of the Israelite's Exodus from Egypt; plural: s'darim., which includes a festive meal, the prohibition on eating chametzchameitzחָמֵץFoods not eaten during Passover. Chameitz typically includes leavened bread or any food that contains wheat, rye, barley, oats, or spelt, unless production has been supervised to ensure that it has not leavened., and the eating of matzahmatzahמַצָּהUnleavened bread eaten during the seder that symbolizes the hurried departure of the Israelites from Egypt. Eating matzah is obligatory only at the seder. During the rest of Pesach, one may abstain from matzah as long as all chametz is avoided; plural: matzot .

On the 15th day of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar, Jews gather with family and friends in the evening to read from a book called the HaggadahHaggadahהַגָּדָהLiterally, “telling.” This is the Jewish text that sets forth the order of the Passover seder. Plural: Haggadot.  , meaning "telling," which contains the order of prayers, rituals, readings, and songs for the Passover seder. The Haggadah helps us retell the events of the Exodus, so that each generation may learn and remember this story that is so central to Jewish life and history.

Passover is celebrated for either seven or eight days, depending on family and communal custom. In Israel and for most Reform Jews around the world, Passover is seven days, but for many other Jews, it is eight days.

Preparing a Seder

How is this Passover Different From all Other Passovers?

The October 7th attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza have created a rupture in our Jewish communities as people struggle in their relationships with those who hold differing viewpoints. Download our seder supplement with four questions to help all who gather to engage with open hearts and open minds.

Recipes

Family Activities

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Photo of the cover of the Passover Activities for Kids and Adults

Prepare for Your Seder: Download a Free Passover Activity Book

Get your free activity book featuring our favorite creative crafts, recipes, and games to enhance your holiday.

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Pieces of matzah on a platter and scattered on a teal surface and topped with chocolate hearts

Chocolate Seder for Children

The Chocolate Seder is not intended to replace your family’s seder, but rather it is a “practice run,” a family activity designed to acquaint children with the order, songs, and customs of the seder before the fact.

Haggadot for Young Children

Seder for Children 2-3 Years Old

Seder for Children 4-5 Years Old

Learn About Counting the Omer

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Counting of the Omer: Blessing for Each Day

The seven-weeks between Passover and Shavuot is known as “the omer” period. An omer (“sheaf”) was an ancient measure of grain, and refers to the barley offering brought to the Temple on the second day of Passover. Starting on that day, the Torah instructs: “you shall count off seven weeks. Learn how to count the Omer, commencing on the second night of Passover.

Passover Videos

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passover seder plate

Video: What Goes on the Seder Plate?

Learn about the parts of the Passover seder plate.

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Passover Seder with Blue Tablecloth

Find a Congregation

Find a welcoming Reform congregation near you.

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Send Free E-cards!

Send Passover greetings to friends and loved ones, and add a recipe, blessing, or video.

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watching a seder at home. White women saying kaddish.

Find a Community Seder

Find a virtual or in-person Passover event at a Reform congregation.

What's New

You’re Invited to Remember

Growing up, I saw Yizkor as a mysterious event on Yom Kippur afternoon. The grownups would return to temple in the afternoon, while my sister and I stayed home. There was no explanation, just an understanding that this was a thing our parents and grandparents did, and we did not.

Passover Social Action Guide

Passover is rich in social justice themes. Here are a few ways to incorporate social action themes into your holiday observance.

Find a Congregation Near You

Find connection, community, learning, and spirituality at a welcoming Reform congregation near you.

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Congregation Beth Am photo at Pride March