Passover 2024: What is It, When Jewish Holiday Starts and End

Passover 2024 in the USA is a week-long Celebration of Freedom. It commemorates a pivotal moment in Jewish history: the Exodus, the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. A joyous week-long celebration filled with symbolism, delicious food, and enduring emotions. 

When is Passover 2024?

This year in the USA, Passover in 2024 begins at sundown on Monday, April 22nd and ends at nightfall on Tuesday, April 30th (although some traditions may observe an end date of April 29th).

What is Passover

Passover, also known as Pesach (pronounced PEH-sach), is a major Jewish holiday that celebrates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. It’s a joyous week-long festival filled with traditions, delicious food, and powerful emotions.

Why Celebrate Passover

Passover commemorates a pivotal moment in Jewish history: the Exodus, the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. According to the Book of Exodus, God sent ten plagues upon Egypt to pressure the Pharaoh to release the Israelites. To protect their firstborn sons from the final plague, the Israelites were instructed to mark their doorways with lamb’s blood. The “Angel of Death” passed over these houses, sparing the Israelites and marking the beginning of their freedom. 

Passover celebrates this liberation, reminding us of the importance of fighting for justice and the enduring power of hope.

Passover Seder Plate: A Journey Through Symbols

The Passover Seder Plate is a central element of the Passover Seder meal, a special dinner held on the first two nights of Passover. It’s more than just a fancy serving dish; each item on the plate represents a symbolic part of the Exodus story, helping participants relive and connect with the Israelites’ journey from slavery to freedom.

Here’s a breakdown of some key items found on the Seder Plate:

• Matzah (Matzo): The centerpiece of the Seder plate, this unleavened bread symbolizes the haste of the Israelites’ escape when there was no time for bread to rise.
• Maror (Bitter Herbs): Bitter herbs, like horseradish, represent the bitterness of slavery and the harsh conditions endured by the Israelites.
• Charoset (Haroset): A sweet mixture of fruit, nuts, and wine, symbolizing the mortar used by the Israelites during their forced labor in Egypt.
• Zeroa (Lamb Shank Bone): A roasted shank bone, traditionally representing the Paschal lamb sacrificed in ancient times.
• Chazeret (bitter greens): Bitter greens, another reminder of the bitterness of slavery.
• Beitzah (Egg ): A roasted hard-boiled egg symbolizes renewal and springtime. In some interpretations, it also represents sacrifice or mourning.

As the Seder unfolds, each food is explored, its significance discussed, keeping the story of the Exodus alive for generations.

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What foods are eaten (or not eaten) during Passover?

Passover has distinct food rules. Leavening grains (chametz) like bread are avoided, symbolizing the Israelites’ hurried escape from Egypt. Instead, they eat matzah, a flat unleavened bread. Some also restrict kitniyot (legumes, rice) due to concerns about accidental mixing with grains or resemblance to chametz flour.

Celebrating Passover in the USA: Traditions and Delights

Passover is a vibrant and joyous holiday observed by Jewish communities across the USA.  Here are some ways you can embrace the spirit of Passover:

• Attend or Host a Seder: Join a community Seder or host your own, gathering loved ones to share the story and traditions.
• Explore Delicious Passover Cuisine: Savor delicious Passover dishes that are both symbolic and mouthwatering. Try traditional recipes for matzah brei (matzah porridge), gefilte fish (poached fish) with a horseradish accompaniment or a sweet and symbolic charoset.
• Passover Learning: Deepen your understanding of the rich history and traditions of Passover. Explore books, websites, or educational programs offered by synagogues in your area.

Conclusion

Passover is a joyous celebration that transcends the historical event. It’s a time for families to gather, share stories, and reflect on the enduring themes of freedom, resilience, and faith. It’s a reminder that even in the face of oppression, hope and liberation can prevail.

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FAQs

When does Passover start in 2024

Passover in 2024 starts at sundown on Monday, April 22nd and ends at 30th April.

What are Passover dates for 2024?

Passover in 2024 starts at sundown on Monday, April 22nd, and ends at nightfall on Tuesday, April 30th (although some traditions may observe an end date of April 29th).

What are the 4 rules for the Passover?

There are 4 Rules for the Passover

1. No Chametz: Leavened bread and grains (chametz) are forbidden during Passover. 
2. Eat Matzah: Unleavened bread (matzah) is eaten throughout Passover.
3. Refrain from Work: Jews avoid most work during the first and last two days of Passover, similar to the Sabbath.
4. The Telling of the Story: A central part of Passover is sharing the story of the Exodus. 

Why do Jews celebrate Passover?

Jews celebrate Passover to commemorate the Exodus, the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. It’s a joyous celebration of freedom and a core part of Jewish history and tradition.

Why are Passover and easter at different times 2024

Passover follows the Hebrew calendar, while Easter follows the lunisolar calendar.  This difference leads to their dates shifting year to year, and in 2024 they don’t coincide.

When was Passover 2023 celebrated?

Passover in 2023 began at sundown on Wednesday, April 5th, and ended at nightfall on Thursday, April 13th (or Wednesday, April 12th in some traditions).

How to say Happy Passover in Hebrew

There are a few ways to say “Happy Passover” in Hebrew, depending on the level of formality you desire in a Formal way חג פסח שמח (Hag Pesach Sameach) and in an Informal way פסח שמח (Pesach Sameach).