Passover 2026 — Dates, Seder Basics & Glossary
Passover 2026 — Dates, Seder Basics & Glossary
Quick take: Passover 2026 (Pesach 5786) begins at sundown on Wednesday, April 1. It ends at nightfall on Thursday, April 9 in most Diaspora communities (Wednesday, April 8 in Israel). First Seder is the evening of April 1; many communities hold a second Seder on April 2.
Dates at a Glance (2026)
- Begins: Wednesday, April 1 at sundown
- Ends (Diaspora): Thursday, April 9 at nightfall
- Ends (Israel): Wednesday, April 8 at nightfall
- First Seder: Night of April 1
- Second Seder (many outside Israel): Night of April 2
These dates reflect widely used calendars and communal practice; always follow your local community’s schedule.
What Is Passover?
Passover (Hebrew: Pesach) commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. Families gather for a Seder—a festive, story-driven meal with symbolic foods—on the first night (and a second night in many communities). During the holiday, chametz (leaven) is avoided and homes are cleaned of leavened products.
The 15 Seder Steps (Short Guide)
- Kadesh – Kiddush (sanctification over wine)
- Urchatz – Wash hands (no blessing)
- Karpas – Dip greens in salt water
- Yachatz – Break middle matzah (hide the afikoman)
- Magid – Tell the Exodus story; Four Questions; plagues; Dayenu
- Rachtzah – Wash hands with blessing
- Motzi – Blessing over bread (matzah)
- Matzah – Eat matzah
- Maror – Eat bitter herbs
- Korech – Hillel “sandwich” (matzah + maror)
- Shulchan Orech – Festive meal
- Tzafun – Eat the afikoman
- Barech – Grace after meals; third cup
- Hallel – Psalms of praise; fourth cup
- Nirtzah – Closing songs and hope for Jerusalem
Seder Plate & Traditional Foods
- Matzah: unleavened bread, symbol of haste and freedom
- Maror: bitter herbs (often horseradish/romaine)
- Charoset: fruit-nut mixture symbolizing mortar
- Karpas: parsley, potato, or other greens dipped in salt water
- Zeroa: roasted shank bone (symbol of the Passover offering)
- Beitzah: roasted egg (festival offering & resilience)
Popular dishes include matzah ball soup, brisket or chicken, tsimmes, and many regional specialties.
Chametz 101 (Leaven)
Chametz includes leavened products made from wheat, barley, spelt, oats, or rye. Before the holiday, families search for chametz, sell or give it away, and remove/burn leftovers. During Passover, many use special cookware and purchase items with a Passover-appropriate certification according to their custom.
Beginner FAQs
Why are the dates different in Israel vs. Diaspora?
In Israel, Passover is observed for 7 days. Many Diaspora communities follow an 8-day observance rooted in historical calendrical practice.
Do I need a Haggadah?
Yes—this book guides the Seder. Communities use a variety of editions; many are free online or available in print with translations and commentary.
What if I’m hosting my first Seder?
Keep it simple: confirm sunset time, prepare a Seder plate, print enough Haggadot, set out four cups per person (grape juice is fine), and plan a menu that fits dietary needs.
Is quinoa or rice allowed?
Customs vary. Some communities avoid kitniyot (legumes, rice, corn) while others permit them. Follow your community’s practice or consult a local rabbi.
Dates reflect widely used Jewish calendars; local announcements govern final practice.