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
, which includes a festive meal, the prohibition on eating , and the eating of .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
, 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
Passover Rituals
What to Expect at a Passover Seder
Recipes
18 Not-Just-Matzah Recipes to Try This Passover
Family Activities
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.
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.
Celebrating Passover with Shalom Sesame: Passover Around the World
Learn About Counting the Omer
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
Video: What Goes on the Seder Plate?
Learn about the parts of the Passover seder plate.
Find a Congregation
Find a welcoming Reform congregation near you.
Send Free E-cards!
Send Passover greetings to friends and loved ones, and add a recipe, blessing, or video.
Find a Community Seder
Find a virtual or in-person Passover event at a Reform congregation.
What's New
You’re Invited to Remember
Harnessing the Power of our Mothers Around the Seder Table
A Place at the Table: How an Accessible Haggadah Creates a Seder of Belonging
Relating to Passover
Jewish Questions
- Is it appropriate to visit a grave on Passover?
- Is Passover 7 or 8 days?
- Is quinoa kosher for Passover?
- I’m a Vegetarian/Vegan. What Adjustments Can I Make to My Seder Plate?
- Kombucha is made using a fermentation process. Is it kosher for Passover?
- What Does "Seder" Mean?
- What goes on the seder plate?
Passover Social Action Guide
Get Jewish Life in Your Life
Subscribe to get inspiring email newsletters.
Find a Congregation Near You
Find connection, community, learning, and spirituality at a welcoming Reform congregation near you.