Passover 2024 dates
While Passover is celebrating the world over as among the most important holidays of Judaism and in Jewish culture at large, it is particularly significant to celebrate it in Israel, “the Land of Promise,” to which the Jews were eventually led after their miraculous redemption from slavery in Egypt. Show
Three quarters of Israel’s 8.5 million people are of Jewish ancestry, and a majority of them consider themselves “traditional Jews.” But even the 20 percent or so who openly identify as “secular Jews” often still observe Passover, due to its being so deeply ingrained in Jewish culture. Passover celebrates the liberation of the Jewish people from Egypt after God sent a series of 10 plagues on that nation, the final and most severe of which involved the death of the firstborn son in each house. Those Jews who obeyed God’s command to paint the doorposts of their house with lamb’s blood were spared, as the death angel “passed over” them during the night of the plague. In Israel, Passover occupies a full seven days, the first and last days of the festival being most important. Many observe the non-working requirements of the Sabbath on all seven of these days. Additionally, all leaven (yeast) must be cleaned out of the home, which becomes an occasion for “spring cleaning” in the days leading up to Passover Week, since Passover occurs in the spring. Passover begins on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Nisan, the first and main event being the “seder,” which means the Passover dinner. In traditional Judaism, days begin at sunset, around 6pm, and end at the same time the “next day.” Thus, expect celebrations to begin in the evening if visiting Israel during Passover. The Passover dinner will be a time of family togetherness but also of great symbolism and ceremony. The finest dishes and silverware are used, and the table is highly decorative. The story of the Exodus from Egypt is retold, and four cups of wine are drunk at prescribed moments during a 15-stage ritual. Near the end, the “Hallel,” which are Psalms 113 through 118 in the Old Testament, are recited. Matzah, a kind of unleavened bread, and “maror,” bitter foods such as horseradish and romaine lettuce, are consumed during the meal. A prayer ends the meal, traditionally with “Next year in Jerusalem” being the prayer’s final words. Children may win a prize if they find the “afikoman,” a special piece of matzah that parents often hide somewhere in their home during Passover seder. Should you travel in Israel for Passover, things to do include:
There are nearly endless things to do and see in Israel, which is why 3.5 million tourists travel there every year. But there is no more solemn and festive time of year to visit the Land of Promise than during Passover. Previous Years
What is the most important day of Passover 2024?Passover for the year 2024 starts on the evening of Monday, April 22nd and ends the 7 day festival at sunset on Monday, April 29th for Reform and progressive Jews living inside Israel who follow the Biblical text.
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Days to Passover 2024.. Why is Passover different date every year?Traditionally known as a major Jewish holiday, many Christians have also begun to take part in celebrating Passover. The date of the festival is in accordance with the first full moon in the Hebrew calendar month, Nissan. For this reason, the date changes every year.
What day does Passover start in 2023?Passover 2023 starts at sundown on Wednesday, April 5 and ends on Friday night, April 13 or Saturday, April 12 depending on family tradition. The first Passover seder occurs on the evening of April 5, and the second Passover seder occurs on the evening of April 6.
Is Passover the same month every year?The lunar calendar determines the dates
That cycle takes about 29½ days, making a lunar year about 12 days shorter than solar year (tracked by the calendar on your wall). That means Easter and Passover fall on different dates each year.
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