When is Passover 2025? Dates, History & Traditions

Passover, known as Pesach in Hebrew, is one of the most significant festivals in the Jewish calendar, commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. Since it follows the Hebrew lunar calendar, its dates change each year, leading many to ask:

When is Passover in 2025?

In 2025, Passover will begin at sundown on Saturday, April 12, and will end at nightfall on Sunday, April 20.

Passover is an eight-day festival observed from the 15th to the 22nd of Nisan, a month in the Hebrew calendar.

In this article, you will learn:

• The dates of Passover for 2025 and upcoming years.
• The historical significance of Passover.
• Common traditions and customs associated with the festival.
• Answers to the top 10 frequently asked questions about Passover.
• A detailed meta description optimized for SEO.

Let’s explore the meaning, traditions, and celebrations of Passover!

What is Passover (Pesach)?

Passover is a major Jewish holiday that celebrates the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, as described in the Book of Exodus in the Torah.

The name “Passover” refers to the final plague in which God “passed over” the homes of the Israelites, sparing their firstborns while striking down those of the Egyptians. This event led to Pharaoh freeing the Israelites, who left Egypt so quickly that their bread did not have time to rise, which is why unleavened bread (matzah) is a central part of the celebration.

When is Passover in 2025 and Future Years?

Since Passover follows the Hebrew lunar calendar, its date varies each year in the Gregorian calendar. Here are the upcoming Passover dates:

Passover always begins on the 15th of Nisan and lasts for seven days in Israel and eight days in the Jewish Diaspora.

The History of Passover

Passover is rooted in the story of the Exodus, which is central to Jewish identity and tradition:

📜 Enslavement in Egypt – The Israelites were forced into slavery under Pharaoh.
🔥 Moses’ Leadership – God chose Moses to lead the Israelites to freedom.
🔟 The Ten Plagues – God sent ten plagues upon Egypt, the final being the death of the firstborn.
🚪 The “Passing Over” – The Israelites marked their doorposts with lamb’s blood, and the Angel of Death “passed over” their homes.
🏃 The Exodus – Pharaoh finally released the Israelites, who left in haste, leading to the tradition of eating matzah (unleavened bread).
🌊 Parting of the Red Sea – God split the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape while drowning Pharaoh’s army.

Passover Traditions & Customs

Passover is rich in rituals and traditions, many of which have been observed for thousands of years.

1. The Seder Meal (First Two Nights)

The Seder is a ceremonial meal held on the first two nights of Passover (only the first night in Israel). It includes:

• Reading the Haggadah 📖 – The story of the Exodus is recited.
• Four Cups of Wine 🍷 – Representing different stages of redemption.
• Eating Matzah 🍞 – Symbolizing the unleavened bread of the Exodus.
• Bitter Herbs (Maror) 🌿 – Representing the bitterness of slavery.
• The Afikoman 🥖 – A piece of matzah hidden and found by children.

2. The Removal of Chametz (Leavened Foods)

During Passover, leavened foods (chametz)—bread, pasta, and anything that contains wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt—are forbidden.

• Before Passover, homes are thoroughly cleaned to remove chametz.
• Many Jewish families sell their chametz or donate it to charity.

3. The Counting of the Omer

• A 49-day count begins on the second night of Passover, leading up to Shavuot, the festival that celebrates the giving of the Torah.

4. The Song “Dayenu” 🎶

A popular Passover song, “Dayenu”, is sung at the Seder, expressing gratitude to God with the chorus:
“It would have been enough!”

Top 10 Questions About Passover

1. Why does the date of Passover change every year?

Answer: Passover follows the Hebrew lunar calendar, which shifts relative to the Gregorian solar calendar.

2. What foods are forbidden during Passover?

Answer: Leavened foods (chametz)—including bread, pasta, beer, and certain grains—are forbidden.

3. Why do Jewish people eat matzah on Passover?

Answer: Matzah symbolizes the unleavened bread the Israelites ate when leaving Egypt in haste.

4. What are the Four Questions at the Seder?

Answer: These questions, asked by the youngest child, begin with:
“Why is this night different from all other nights?” and explore Passover customs.

5. Why are there Four Cups of Wine at the Seder?

Answer: They represent God’s four promises of redemption in the Torah:
“I will bring you out,” “I will deliver you,” “I will redeem you,” and “I will take you.”

6. What is the Afikoman?

Answer: A piece of matzah hidden during the Seder that children search for and redeem for a prize.

7. What is the significance of the plagues in Passover?

Answer: The Ten Plagues were divine punishments on Egypt, leading to the Israelites’ freedom.

8. Why is Elijah’s Cup left on the table?

Answer: A special cup of wine is left for the prophet Elijah, who is believed to visit every Jewish home on Passover.

9. How long does Passover last?

Answer:

• 7 days in Israel and some Reform Jewish communities.
• 8 days in the Jewish Diaspora (outside Israel).

10. What is the meaning of “Pesach”?

Answer: “Pesach” means “Passover” in Hebrew, referring to God passing over the homes of the Israelites during the tenth plague.

Final Thoughts on Passover

Passover is a time of reflection, family, and gratitude, celebrating the Jewish people’s freedom from slavery. Whether through the Seder meal, reading the Haggadah, or avoiding chametz, Passover traditions have endured for thousands of years, reminding Jewish communities of their heritage and resilience.

Chag Pesach Sameach! (Happy Passover!) 🕊️