Passover (Pesach) 2025: History and Food Tradition

passover 2025

Do you know why Jews celebrate Passover? For Jews, Passover 2025 is a festival that celebrates their freedom and redemption. It honours the sacrifices of enslaved Israelis. Celebrates their escape from Egypt over 3,000 years ago.

The 15th day of Nisan marks the first day of Passover, which continues for the next 8-7 days. In this article, we will learn everything about the Jewish festival of Passover. 

When is Passover 2025?

Passover 2025 will begin after sundown on the 12th of April and end on the evening of the 20th of April. It will span from Saturday to next Sunday. 

However, Israeli and Reform Jews will observe the festival until the evening of the 19th of April. The day will be Saturday.

Nisan is the first month of the Jewish calendar. According to the calendar, Passover begins on the 15th day of Nisan. Passover 2025 will be celebrated in the spring season. 

However, the Passover 2025 dates will coincide with the Christian holiday of Easter. 

Pesach in Upcoming Years.

YearsDates
2026April 1-9
2027April 21-29
2028April 10-18
2029March 30-April 7

What is Pesach 2025? 

In Hebrew, Passover is called “Pesach.” It is a significant Jewish festival that celebrates their freedom. It remembers the story of Exodus.

Over 3000 years ago, Jews lived as enslaved people in Ancient Egypt. They had to bear decades of torture at the hands of the Egyptian pharaohs. To alleviate their suffering, God chose Moses for Jewish freedom. 

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Initially, the Egyptian Pharaoh refused to grant Jews their rights. He remained ignorant to numerous warnings from Moses. Hence, as a punishment, God inflicted Egypt with ten plagues.

The plague caused tremendous damage, destroying all livestock and crops. However, the pharaoh remained stubborn. He still refused to grant freedom to the Israelites.

Then, God sent down the Angel of Death with a command. He had to eliminate every firstborn Egyptian. To protect the Jews, Moses instructed them to use 

Lamb’s blood and mark their doorways. During this tragic event, more than 600 Israelites left Egypt. They travelled to Mount Sinai. At this mountain, they had their rebirth as God’s people. 

Hence, Passover allows Jews to remember the Israelites’ freedom, which was led by Moses. The festival revolves around the theme of redemption. Jews recall how God intervened to help the Israelites gain their freedom.

How Is Passover 2025 Celebrated?

Passover is a Jewish festival celebrating the birth of the Jewish nation. In the Diaspora, the festival lasts 8 days, but in Israel, it is considered to last 7 days. 

Not to forget the spring cleaning that takes place before the Passover to purify everything around. Synagogues are all set for special prayers and recitals. 

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The Sedar Feast 

The first two nights of Passover are also known as the Diaspora. During this time, work is strictly forbidden. On these nights, the sedar meal is served. In Israel, sedar is enjoyed only on the first night. 

The feast is a 15-step ritual centred on the story of Exodus. Four cups of wine and veggies dipped in saltwater are easily visible. 

Another highlight of the feast is the Four Questions, called Mah Nishtanah. 

On this occasion, Jews also enjoy Matzah (unleavened bread) and maror (bitter herbs). Nights are spent singing until late.

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Hence, Seder isn’t just consuming ritual foods. It is a night to enjoy storytelling and songs as well. It is important to note that the rituals and readings for the Seder are carried out according to the Haggadah. 

Many versions of Haggadah are available. You can also personalise it according to yourself. During sedar, Jews also recite the Hallel (psalms). 

The main components of a seder plate

  • Egg

This means sacrifice. It symbolises new life.

  • Fresh Green Vegetables 

These represent spring’s freshness. 

  • Bitter Herbs 

These help people recall the days of slavery.

  • Lamb 

It is a symbol of the offerings made to God.

  • Saltwater 

These help Jews remember the tears and sweat of slavery.

  • Charset 

It showcases the mortar Israelites for brick making.

  • Matzah 

It is a fun activity for the children. There are three pieces of flatbread. The middle part is broken, and a large part is hidden. The children have to find the hidden piece. 

  • Wine 

The feast features four glasses of wine, representing God’s four promises of freedom to the Israelites.

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The Upcoming Sedars

YearDates
2026April 1 and 2
2027April 21 and 22
2028April 10 and 11
2029March 30 and 31

Chol Hamoed and The Chametz 

After the first two days of Passover, the four following days are of Chol Hamoed. During this time, work is allowed, but some restrictions still apply. 

It is not permissible for Jews to have chametz, which is leavened food, such as bread and pasta. After Chol Hamoed, there are two more days of holiday. 

The Last Two Days of Passover

During the final days of Passover, the Jews 

focus on future redemption. They do this through the Messiah. In Israel, this is a single-day celebration. 

The Omer

This is a long period of 49 days leading to Shavuot. It marks the revelation of the Torah on the Mount of Sinai.

The Pilgrimage

In old times, Jews had to offer a pilgrimage for sacrifices. Adult males would travel to Jerusalem. However, it stopped when the temple was destroyed. Jews tend to focus on at-home festivities like prayers and family meals.

Foods To Eat on 2025 Passover 

The main food enjoyed during Passover is Matzah, also known as unleavened bread. Many stores sell it, and some even make it at home. 

Many other traditional foods are enjoyed during this festival. Haroset is very popular. It is a mixture of fruit, nuts, wine, and cinnamon. Matzah ball soup is also a delight. 

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The cook can’t use leavening. Hence, Passover requires the cook to use all their culinary creativity.

Changes In The Diet

Chametz is strictly forbidden. Some Jews also abstain from legumes, and some use Quinoa as an alternative grain. However, not every Jew agrees on this. 

Conclusion

For Jews, Passover is one of the most significant religious festivals. It celebrates the liberation of the Israelites from ancient Egyptian slavery. 

The festival is observed over 8–7 days. Many festivities take place, including the most famous Seder meal. Passover restricts Chametz (leavened food). 

Hence, many creative culinary creations like Matzah, haroset, and matzah ball soup are available during the festival. 

Chol Hamoed and the final redemption days are celebrated with utmost devotion following sedar. 

The Jewish festival of Passover 2025 is the most important time of the year for reflection and gratitude. Witnessing the perseverance of Jewish history is beautiful. 

FAQS

Most Jews use “kosher and joyous Passover” to wish others the festival. An alternative can be a zissen Pesach.”  However, the Ashkenazi Jews traditionally used the phrase “gut yom tov” for greeting. 

Jews use Haggadah during the Passover to narrate the story of the Exodus. There are many printable Haggadah’s available. You can also customise these. Take a look at these 17 historical Haggadahs. 

When Jews left Egypt, they were in a hurry. Hence, they didn’t have enough time to wait for their bread to rise. In remembrance of this, Jews also eat unleavened bread. It is an act of honouring and remembering the Exodus. 

Yes, after the first two days of Passover, the work restrictions are relieved, allowing Jews to return to work. However, on the first two days of Passover, work is not allowed. 

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