Passover

11/04/2025

Diversity

Passover, also known as Pesach in Hebrew, is one of the most important festivals in the Jewish calendar. It commemorates the exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, and takes its name from God’s “passing over” the houses of the Israelites during the tenth plague of Egypt. In 2025, Passover begins at sundown on Saturday 12 April and ends on the evening of Sunday 20 April. Its central ritual is the “seder”, a traditional meal of symbolic foods shared with the family or members of the community. Throughout the festival, Jewish people also engage in traditional prayers, services and activities.

Passover is not just a celebration of the past, but also a reminder of the ongoing struggles of Jewish people for freedom and justice in the world today. By remembering the story of Exodus, Jewish people around the world continue to affirm their commitment to the values of freedom, equality and justice that are at the heart of Jewish faith.

Greetings for Passover include “Chag Sameach!” (Happy Holidays) or “Chag Pesach Sameach!” (Happy Passover Holiday).