Passover begins this weekend, and you might be curious about the meaning behind the holiday and how it’s traditionally observed.

Passover is April 12- 20th

Passover—known in Hebrew as Pesach—is the most widely observed holiday in the Jewish faith and lasts for one week. In 2025, Passover begins at sundown on April 12 and ends after nightfall on April 20 in the United States.

The first Seder, a ceremonial meal that marks the beginning of the holiday, will be held on the evening of April 12. A second Seder traditionally takes place on the following night, April 13.

Why does the date of Passover change each year?

Passover is based on the Hebrew calendar, which follows the lunar cycle. It always begins on the 15th day of the month of Nissan—typically the first full moon after the spring equinox.

The holiday is deeply connected to the biblical story of Moses, who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Passover is a celebration of freedom and liberation.

How is it celebrated?

Jewish families around the world commemorate Passover with Seders, retelling the story of the Exodus through symbolic foods, songs, and readings. Each element of the Seder reflects the struggles and triumphs of the journey from slavery to freedom.

A Seder (Hebrew for "order") is a ceremonial dinner that marks the beginning of Passover, a Jewish holiday commemorating the Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It usually takes place on the first night (sometimes two nights) of Passover and follows a specific order laid out in a book called the Haggadah.

Hosting a Seder is part tradition, part storytelling, part feast. Here's a simple breakdown of what it is and how to host one:

What is a Seder?

It’s a ritual meal full of symbolism, storytelling, prayer, songs, and special foods. It’s meant to involve everyone—especially children—and it centers around the themes of freedom, oppression, gratitude, and tradition.

The night is structured around 15 steps, with each having its own significance. Key elements include:

• Retelling the Exodus story from slavery to freedom.
• Eating symbolic foods from a Seder plate.
• Drinking four cups of wine (or grape juice).
• Asking the Four Questions, traditionally by the youngest person.
• Hiding and finding the afikoman, a piece of matzah wrapped and hidden for children to find.

How to Host a Seder

1. Prepare the Essentials
   You’ll need:
   • Haggadahs: One for each guest (or a few to share). You can use traditional ones or modern interpretations—even printable PDFs online.
   •Seder Plate: It holds six symbolic foods:
    -Maror (bitter herb, usually horseradish) – bitterness of slavery
   -Charoset (apple-nut-wine mixture) – mortar used by slaves
   -Karpas (a green vegetable, often parsley) – spring & hope
   -Z’roa (shank bone) – the Passover lamb offering
   -Beitzah (egg) – mourning and festival sacrifice
   -Chazeret (optional second bitter herb)
   •Matzah: Unleavened bread; you’ll need three pieces stacked and covered.
   •Wine or grape juice: Enough for four cups per person.
   • Salt water: For dipping karpas.
   •A festive meal: After the storytelling portion, enjoy a big meal!
2. Set the Table
   Include all the essentials above, plus:
   •Candles (for the blessing)
   •Kiddush cups (or wine glasses)
   •Napkins, plates, cutlery
3. Follow the Haggadah
   It guides you through each step. Some main highlights:
   •Kadesh: Blessing over wine (first cup)
   •Urchatz: Washing hands
   •Karpas: Dipping parsley in salt water
   •Maggid: Telling the story, including the Four Questions
   •Rachtzah: Another handwashing
   •Motzi Matzah: Blessings and eating matzah
   •Maror and Korech: Eating bitter herbs and Hillel sandwich
   •Shulchan Orech: Eat the festive meal
   •Tzafun: Eat the afikoman
   •Barech: Grace after meals (third cup)
   •Hallel: Songs of praise (fourth cup)
   •Nirtzah: Closing and hope for future redemption
4.  Make It Interactive
   •Encourage everyone to read, ask questions, share thoughts, sing songs, or act out parts of the story. Kids love:
   •Hiding the afikoman
   •Acting out plagues
   •Using fun props (plastic frogs, toy locusts, etc.)

Bonus Tips

• Be flexible: It can be long, so adapt for your guests’ attention spans.
• Prep in advance: Cook ahead, set the table early, print Haggadahs.
• Create a welcoming space: Even if everyone isn’t Jewish, it’s a great cultural and spiritual experience.

 Advancing, Belonging, Community & Diversity Committee
presents this holiday celebration blog