When Is Passover 2023?

Passover (also known as Pesach) has been an integral part of the Jewish faith for centuries, as a celebration of when the Jewish people were freed from slavery in Egypt. (In the Biblical story of their escape, the Jews were spared by the Angel of Death after they marked their doorways with lamb's blood.)

The celebration begins on the 15th day of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar, which coincides with a full moon. But as a lunar calendar, the Jewish calendar is 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar (AKA the solar calendar that most of the world uses), so Passover dates change year to year, within March and April.

In 2023, Passover runs from the evening of April 5, 2023, to the evening of Thursday, April 13, 2023. (In 2024, Passover will run from April 22 to April 30, if you're looking to plan ahead.)

Want to learn more about the timing of this popular Jewish holiday? Check out our Passover FAQs.

Passover FAQs

Why does Passover stretch from sundown to sundown?

Most Jewish holidays (and the Jewish Sabbath) start at sundown. That's because the creation story in the Bible says God created night before day—so most celebrations or holy days begin in the evening, according to ReformJudaism.org.

Is Passover seven or eight days long?

The short answer: It depends! In Israel, Passover is only seven days long, while many celebrants outside Israel opt for eight days—a practice which began because Jews who had moved outside of Israel centuries ago weren't always able to know exactly when the holiday began, but could narrow it down to two days. (They celebrated both, to be safe!)

While some Reform Jews outside Israel have reverted to the seven-day calendar followed in Israel, many people of Jewish faith continue to celebrate Passover for eight days.

Why does Passover last for several days?

The timing of Pesach is meant to coincide with the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt to their new home—a journey that took seven days.

When is the Seder dinner held?

Traditionally, the Seder dinner is held on the first night of Passover (or the first and second nights, if you're following the eight-day Pesach tradition). The meal includes several specific dishes and ingredients, like matzah (an unleavened, cracker-like bread), bitter herbs, wine, and charoset—a wine, fruit, and nut paste. There are some rules about what can be served at a Seder—and we have some simple and delicious Seder recipes to add to your meal this year—and don't forget Passover desserts!

How long does the Seder meal last?

There are a number of readings, songs, and other parts of the celebration (15 steps, to be exact) that take place before you dig into the Seder meal. So if you're lucky enough to be invited to a friend's Seder, don't arrive with your belly rumbling—it'll be a little while before dinner is served.

How do Passover and Easter work together?

If you celebrate common Christian holidays, you're probably aware that Easter also shifts around during the spring months—and Passover is part of the reason. In the New Testament, the Last Supper was Jesus was celebrating Passover with his disciples. After he was crucified, he was resurrected the following Sunday. While early Christians often celebrated Easter on Passover, in modern times, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the beginning of Paschal full moon—which makes it April 9th in 2023. (Because the Hebrew calendar is a lunar calendar, Easter is often held during Passover as a result.)