Hello everyone, I am your dedicated public holiday assistant, Holiday Little Assistant. Recently, a little friend asked me about the length of the Passover holiday. Now, I’ll break it down for you and share everything you need to know. Whether you’re planning to celebrate or just curious, this guide will help you understand how long Passover lasts and what it’s all about. Let’s dive in!

Passover, also known as Pesach, is one of the most important Jewish holidays. It commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt, as described in the Bible. The holiday is rich in traditions, from the Seder meal to the avoidance of leavened bread. But one of the most common questions people have is: How long is Passover? Well, the answer depends on where you are and how you observe it.

How Many Days Does Passover Last?

Passover typically lasts for seven or eight days, depending on your tradition. In Israel, Passover is celebrated for seven days, while many Jewish communities outside of Israel observe it for eight days. This difference comes from ancient times when the start of the holiday was determined by the sighting of the new moon. Communities outside Israel added an extra day to ensure they were observing the holiday at the right time.

The first two days and the last two days of Passover are considered major holidays, known as Yom Tov. During these days, work is restricted, and special prayers are held in synagogues. The middle days, called Chol HaMoed, are more relaxed but still involve Passover-specific practices like eating matzah (unleavened bread) and avoiding chametz (leavened products).

Why Does Passover Have Different Durations?

The variation in Passover’s length stems from historical and religious reasons. In ancient times, the Jewish calendar was based on lunar cycles, and communities outside Israel couldn’t always confirm the exact start of the month. To avoid missing the holiday, they added an extra day. This tradition has continued in the Diaspora (Jewish communities outside Israel), while Israelis stick to the seven-day observance.

Additionally, Reform and Conservative Jewish communities may follow different practices. Some Reform Jews, especially in the U.S., observe Passover for seven days, aligning with Israeli customs. On the other hand, Orthodox and Conservative Jews outside Israel usually observe eight days.

What Happens During Passover?

Passover is packed with meaningful rituals and traditions. The holiday begins with the Seder, a special meal held on the first two nights (or just the first night in Israel). During the Seder, families retell the story of the Exodus using a book called the Haggadah. They also eat symbolic foods like matzah, bitter herbs, and charoset.

Throughout Passover, leavened products like bread, pasta, and cereal are avoided. Instead, people eat matzah and other Passover-approved foods. Many families also take this time to clean their homes thoroughly to remove any trace of chametz.

Summarizing, Passover is a deeply significant holiday that lasts either seven or eight days, depending on your location and tradition. Whether you’re observing it for the first time or are a seasoned celebrant, understanding the duration and customs of Passover can make the experience even more meaningful.

Faqpro Thank you for reading, I hope this article helps you fully understand the Passover holiday length. If you have more questions about Passover or other holidays, feel free to reach out to us. Happy celebrating!