when is jewish passover 2025

Vender Womder

2 min read

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27-11-2024

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Introduction:

Passover, or Pesach (פֶּסַח) in Hebrew, is one of the most important Jewish holidays, commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. In 2025, Passover will be observed from sunset on Friday, April 18th, to nightfall on Saturday, April 26th. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Passover, its significance, and the dates for 2025, helping you prepare for this special time.

Understanding the Passover Calendar

Passover follows a lunisolar calendar, meaning its dates are determined by both the lunar cycle and the solar year. This means the dates shift each year. Unlike holidays fixed to a specific day of the Gregorian calendar, Passover always begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nissan. Because the Hebrew calendar is not perfectly aligned with the Gregorian calendar, the date of Passover varies slightly each year.

Passover Observances: What to Expect

Passover is a week-long celebration filled with unique traditions and rituals:

• Seder: The central observance of Passover is the Seder, a ritual dinner held on the first (and often second) night. The Seder uses a special order of service (Haggadah) to tell the story of the Exodus from Egypt. This involves the symbolic consumption of specific foods like matzah (unleavened bread), maror (bitter herbs), and charoset (a sweet paste).

• Matzah: During Passover, all leavened bread (chametz) is removed from the home. Matzah, a flat, unleavened bread, replaces it, symbolizing the haste with which the Israelites fled Egypt.

• Cleaning and Preparation: Before Passover begins, Jewish homes undergo a thorough cleaning to remove any trace of leavened products.

• Special Prayers and Services: Synagogues hold special prayer services throughout the holiday.

• Family Gatherings: Passover is a time for families to come together and celebrate their heritage and freedom.

Passover in 2025: Key Dates

To reiterate, in 2025, Passover begins at sunset on Friday, April 18th, and concludes at nightfall on Saturday, April 26th. This means the first Seder will be on Friday evening, April 18th, and the second Seder will be on Saturday evening, April 19th.

Planning Ahead for Passover 2025

Planning for Passover often involves:

• Purchasing Matzah: Ensure you purchase enough matzah for the entire week.
• Preparing the Seder: Begin planning your Seder meal and gather the necessary ingredients and Haggadahs well in advance.
• Cleaning Your Home: Start the thorough cleaning process several days before the holiday.
• Making Reservations: If you plan to dine out or attend community Seders, make reservations early.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the significance of Passover?

A: Passover commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, a pivotal event in Jewish history. It's a celebration of freedom and resilience.

Q: Why do we eat matzah during Passover?

A: Matzah symbolizes the unleavened bread the Israelites ate during their hasty escape from Egypt. The lack of leavening represents their quick departure.

Q: What is a Seder?

A: A Seder is a ritual dinner held on the first and often the second night of Passover, where the story of the Exodus is recounted using a special service called a Haggadah.

Q: How long does Passover last?

A: Passover lasts for eight days.

We hope this guide helps you prepare for a meaningful and joyous Passover in 2025. Chag Pesach Sameach! (Happy Passover!)