When Is Passover 2026?
Dates, Seder Guide & Traditions

Passover 2026 Dates at a Glance

The Jewish holiday of Passover, known in Hebrew as Pesach, is observed on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan. In 2026, that falls on Wednesday, April 1. The holiday lasts eight days outside Israel (seven days in Israel), ending on April 9.

Upcoming Passover Dates (2026–2029)

What Is Passover? The Meaning Behind the Holiday

A traditional Passover Seder table — the centerpiece of the holiday celebration, featuring the Seder plate, matzah, wine, and the Haggadah.

Passover is one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays, commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt more than 3,000 years ago. The Hebrew name Pesach means "to pass over," referring to the final plague in Egypt, when God passed over the homes of the Israelites and spared their firstborn children.

The story, recounted in the biblical Book of Exodus, describes how Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt after Pharaoh refused to free them despite ten devastating plagues. On the night of the final plague, the Israelites were instructed to mark their doorposts with lamb's blood so the plague would pass over their homes. They left Egypt in such haste that their bread had no time to rise — which is why matzah (unleavened flatbread) is the most iconic food of the holiday.

Today, Passover is a time for families and friends to gather, retell the Exodus story, and reflect on themes of freedom, redemption, and gratitude. The central ritual is the Seder, a structured ceremonial meal held on the first night (and second night, outside Israel) of Passover.

The First Night of Passover 2026: The Seder Explained

The word Seder means "order" in Hebrew. The Seder is a 15-step ritual meal guided by a special book called the Haggadah ("the telling"), which walks participants through prayers, songs, storytelling, and the tasting of symbolic foods. The first Seder in 2026 takes place on the evening of Wednesday, April 1, after nightfall.

The 15 Steps of the Passover Seder

1. Kadesh — Sanctify

   Recite Kiddush over the first cup of wine, blessing the holiday.
2. Urchatz — Wash Hands

   Wash hands without reciting a blessing, a ritual purification before dipping vegetables.
3. Karpas — Dip the Vegetable

   Dip a green vegetable (parsley or celery) in salt water, symbolizing the tears of slavery.
4. Yachatz — Break the Middle Matzah

   Break the middle of three matzot; the larger piece becomes the afikoman, hidden for children to find later.
5. Maggid — Tell the Story

   Retell the Exodus story using the Haggadah. This is the heart of the Seder, including the Four Questions asked by the youngest child.
6. Rachtzah — Wash Hands Again

   Wash hands again, this time with a blessing, before eating matzah.
7. Motzi — Blessing Over Bread

   Recite the standard blessing over bread (matzah).
8. Matzah — Eat the Matzah

   Recite a special blessing and eat the matzah, the unleavened bread of freedom.
9. Maror — Bitter Herbs

   Eat bitter herbs (usually horseradish) dipped in charoset, recalling the bitterness of slavery.
10. Korech — The Hillel Sandwich

    Eat matzah and bitter herbs together, as the sage Hillel did in Temple times.
11. Shulchan Orech — The Festive Meal

    Enjoy the full Passover dinner — often featuring matzo ball soup, gefilte fish, and brisket.
12. Tzafun — Eat the Afikoman

    Children return the hidden afikoman (often after negotiating a prize), and everyone eats a piece as the final taste of the evening.
13. Beirach — Grace After Meals

    Recite blessings after the meal and drink the third cup of wine.
14. Hallel — Psalms of Praise

    Sing Psalms of praise and drink the fourth cup of wine.
15. Nirtzah — Accepted

    Conclude the Seder with songs and the declaration "Next year in Jerusalem!"

The Passover Seder Plate: Six Symbolic Foods

The Seder plate (ka'arah) is the centerpiece of the Passover table. It holds six symbolic foods, each representing a different aspect of the Exodus story. Understanding what each item means helps bring the ancient narrative to life during the Seder.

The six items on the Passover Seder plate and their positions — each food tells part of the Exodus story.

How to Prepare for Passover 2026: A Week-by-Week Timeline

Preparing for Passover involves cleaning the home of chametz (leavened products), stocking up on Passover-specific foods, and arranging the Seder. Here is a practical timeline leading up to April 1, 2026.

Passover Seder Checklist

• Seder plate (ka'arah) with all six symbolic foods
• Three pieces of matzah on a matzah plate or cover
• Haggadah for each guest at the table
• Wine or grape juice — four cups per person
• Kiddush cup for blessings; Elijah's Cup (left untouched)
• Bowl of salt water for dipping karpas
• Afikoman bag for hiding the broken matzah
• Candles and candlesticks for holiday lighting
• Festive dinner: matzo ball soup, gefilte fish, brisket or chicken

Traditional Passover Foods in 2026

During the eight days of Passover, chametz — any food made from leavened grain — is strictly avoided. Instead, matzah (unleavened flatbread) becomes the foundation of Passover cooking. Here are the most beloved traditional Passover foods:

Matzah (Matzo)

The most iconic Passover food, matzah is a flat, cracker-like unleavened bread made from flour and water, baked in under 18 minutes so it cannot rise. It commemorates the haste with which the Israelites fled Egypt. Matzah is eaten throughout the holiday and used in many Passover recipes including matzah brei (fried matzah), matzah ball soup, and matzah pizza.

Charoset

A sweet, chunky paste made from chopped apples, walnuts, cinnamon, and sweet wine. The classic Ashkenazi recipe combines 3 apples, 1 cup walnuts, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tbsp sugar, and 2–3 tbsp sweet Passover wine. Sephardic versions may include dates, figs, and almonds.

Matzo Ball Soup

Fluffy dumplings made from matzah meal, eggs, and schmaltz (chicken fat) served in clear chicken broth. A beloved Passover staple, especially on the first Seder night.

Brisket

Slow-braised beef brisket is the quintessential Passover main course. Cooked low and slow with onions, carrots, and tomatoes, it is typically prepared a day ahead so the flavors deepen overnight.

Gefilte Fish

Poached fish patties made from ground whitefish, pike, or carp, served cold with horseradish. A traditional Ashkenazi Passover appetizer.

Watch: What Is Passover? (5-Minute Overview)

This short video from Chabad.org explains the meaning of Passover, the story of the Exodus, and why the holiday is celebrated — a helpful introduction for anyone new to Pesach or looking to refresh their understanding before the 2026 Seder.

Frequently Asked Questions About Passover 2026