Passover (first day)

Passover (First Day): A Celebration of Freedom and Tradition in the United States

Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, stands as one of the most profound and widely observed festivals in the Jewish liturgical calendar. In the United States, home to one of the largest Jewish populations in the world, the first day of Passover marks the beginning of an eight-day journey into history, memory, and spiritual reflection. It is a holiday that transcends mere ritual, serving as a foundational narrative of liberation that has inspired not only the Jewish people but also various social justice movements throughout American history. The essence of the holiday lies in the "Exodus"—the miraculous journey of the ancient Israelites from the shackles of Egyptian slavery toward the promise of freedom.

The first day of Passover is particularly significant because it sets the tone for the entire week. It is characterized by a transition from the mundane to the sacred, beginning with the removal of leavened products from the home and culminating in the Seder, a ritual feast that is perhaps the most celebrated home-based religious event in American Jewish life. For many families across the U.S., from the bustling streets of New York City to the quiet suburbs of the Midwest, the first day is a time of homecoming. Generations gather around a single table to recite the Haggadah, eat symbolic foods, and ensure that the story of the Exodus is passed down to the youngest members of the family. It is a day where history is not just whispered, but tasted, sung, and debated.

What makes the first day of Passover truly special in the American context is its dual nature as both a private religious observance and a public cultural milestone. While it is a deeply personal time for prayer and family connection, its themes of liberty and resistance against oppression resonate deeply with the American ethos. In the United States, Passover is a time when the "empty chair" at the table might represent those still struggling for freedom around the world, making the ancient story of the Nile relevant to modern-day challenges. Whether through the strict adherence to halakha (Jewish law) or a more cultural identification with the holiday’s values, the first day of Passover remains a cornerstone of identity for millions of Americans.

When is Passover (First Day) in 2026?

In the year 2026, the first day of Passover falls on Thursday, April 2, 2026. There are currently 89 days remaining until the celebration begins.

It is crucial to understand that the Jewish calendar is lunisolar, meaning days begin and end at sundown rather than midnight. Therefore, while the first full day is April 2, 2026, the holiday actually commences at sunset on the preceding evening, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. This is when the first Seder is held.

The date of Passover is variable relative to the Gregorian calendar. It is determined by the Hebrew calendar and always begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan. Because the Hebrew calendar tracks both the lunar cycles and the solar seasons, Passover always occurs in the spring, ensuring that the "Festival of Spring" (Chag HaAviv) aligns with the blossoming of nature. This variability means that Passover can fall anywhere from late March to late April in the United States.

History and Origins: From Ancient Egypt to Modern America

The origins of Passover are rooted in the Book of Exodus in the Torah. According to the biblical narrative, the Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for generations, subjected to backbreaking labor and systemic oppression under a Pharaoh who feared their growing numbers. God commissioned Moses to demand the release of the Israelites, famously uttering the mandate, "Let my people go." When Pharaoh refused, ten plagues were unleashed upon Egypt.

The name "Passover" refers to the tenth and final plague—the death of the firstborn. The Israelites were instructed to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb so that the Angel of Death would "pass over" their homes, sparing their children. Following this final plague, Pharaoh finally relented, and the Israelites fled so quickly that their bread did not have time to rise, resulting in the flat, unleavened cracker known as matzah.

In the United States, the history of Passover observance dates back to the earliest Jewish settlers in the 17th century. Over the centuries, the American Passover has evolved. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, as waves of Jewish immigrants arrived from Eastern Europe, the Seder became a vital link to the "Old World," while also incorporating American elements. Today, the holiday is a vibrant tapestry that reflects the diversity of the American Jewish community, including Ashkenazi, Sephardic, and Mizrahi traditions, as well as modern interpretations that include social justice themes.

How People Celebrate: The Seder and Beyond

The primary celebration of the first day of Passover occurs in the home. Unlike many other holidays that center on synagogue services, Passover is fundamentally domestic.

The Seder

The Seder (meaning "order") is the centerpiece of the first night (and the second night for most Jews in the diaspora). It is a highly structured ritual meal involving the reading of the Haggadah, which guides the participants through the story of the Exodus.

The Four Questions: Traditionally, the youngest person at the table asks four questions, beginning with "Why is this night different from all other nights?" This sparks the educational component of the evening, fulfilling the commandment to tell the story to one's children. The Four Cups of Wine: Participants drink four cups of wine (or grape juice) at specific intervals to represent the four expressions of deliverance promised by God. The Seder Plate: A special plate holds symbolic foods: Karpas (a green vegetable representing spring), Haroset (a sweet paste representing the mortar used by slaves), Maror (bitter herbs representing the bitterness of slavery), a shank bone (representing the ancient paschal sacrifice), and a roasted egg (representing mourning and the cycle of life).

Dietary Restrictions and "Chametz"

The first day of Passover marks the beginning of a week-long prohibition against eating chametz—any food product made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt that has been allowed to leaven or rise. In the weeks leading up to the holiday, American Jewish households undergo a rigorous "Spring Cleaning" to remove every crumb of leavened bread from their homes.

On the first day, and throughout the week, matzah is eaten in place of bread. In the United States, supermarkets often dedicate entire aisles to Passover-certified products, ranging from matzah ball soup mix to kosher-for-Passover sodas and snacks. This strict dietary observance serves as a constant physical reminder of the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt and the humility associated with "the bread of affliction."

Traditions and Customs in the United States

American Passover traditions are a blend of ancient law and local culture. One of the most famous American contributions to the holiday is the "Maxwell House Haggadah." First distributed in 1932 as a marketing promotion to show that coffee was kosher for Passover, it became the most widely used Haggadah in America for decades, shaping the Seder experience for millions.

The Second Seder

While Jews in Israel observe only one Seder, Jewish communities in the diaspora (including the United States) traditionally observe two Seders—one on the first night and one on the second night. Consequently, for many Americans, the "first day" of Passover is followed by a second evening of intense celebration and ritual.

Matzah Ball Soup

Often called "Jewish Penicillin," matzah ball soup is a staple of the Passover Seder in the U.S. These dumplings, made from matzah meal, eggs, and fat (traditionally schmaltz), are served in a clear chicken broth. Every family has their own secret recipe, and the debate between "floaters" (light, fluffy matzah balls) and "sinkers" (dense, heavy ones) is a lighthearted perennial discussion at American tables.

Afikomen Hunt

To keep children engaged during the long Seder ritual, the leader hides a piece of matzah known as the Afikomen. At the end of the meal, the children search for it, often receiving a small gift or money in exchange for its return, as the Seder cannot officially conclude until the Afikomen is eaten.

Community Seders

In addition to family gatherings, many American synagogues, Hillels (on college campuses), and community centers host "Community Seders." These are designed for those who may not have family nearby, students, or those who want to learn more about the holiday. In recent years, "Social Justice Seders" or "Freedom Seders" have also become popular, connecting the Exodus story to modern civil rights and humanitarian issues.

Practical Information for the First Day of Passover

If you are living in or visiting the United States during the first day of Passover in 2026, there are several practical considerations to keep in mind, especially regarding the three-day religious block created this year.

The 2026 Calendar "Three-Day Feast"

In 2026, the first day of Passover (April 2, 2026) falls on a Thursday. For observant Jews, the first two days (Thursday and Friday) are considered Yom Tov (full holidays with work restrictions). In 2026, these are immediately followed by the weekly Sabbath (Shabbat) on Saturday. This creates a rare "three-day" period where observant individuals do not work, use electronics, drive, or engage in business transactions.

Travel and Shopping

Travel: If you are planning to travel to attend a Seder, it is advisable to arrive by early afternoon on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, to avoid the pre-holiday rush and to be settled before sunset. Shopping: Grocery stores in neighborhoods with significant Jewish populations (such as parts of New York, South Florida, Los Angeles, and Chicago) will be extremely busy in the days leading up to Passover. Many specialty items may sell out. Dining Out: While many restaurants remain open, some Jewish-owned delis or bakeries may close for the entire week of Passover or operate with a limited "Passover-style" menu that excludes bread.

Is Passover a Public Holiday in the United States?

Passover is not a federal public holiday in the United States. Government offices, post offices, banks, and most businesses remain open. Public transportation follows its regular weekday schedule.

However, its status as a major religious observance means it has a significant impact on public life in certain regions:

Schools: In school districts with large Jewish populations (such as New York City or parts of New Jersey), schools may be closed for the first two days of Passover or for the entire week. Even where schools are open, Jewish students and teachers are generally granted excused absences for religious observance. Workplace: While businesses stay open, many Jewish employees will take the first day (and often the second day) off. Under U.S. law, employers are generally required to provide "reasonable accommodation" for religious practices, which includes allowing time off for holidays like Passover, provided it doesn't cause "undue hardship" to the business. Jewish Organizations: Many Jewish non-profits, community centers (JCCs), and synagogues will be closed for administrative business on the first day of Passover to allow staff to observe the holiday.

In summary, while the rest of the country continues its secular routine, for the millions of Americans celebrating, the first day of Passover is a sacred pause—a time to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with an ancient story of hope, faith, and the enduring human desire for freedom. Whether it is through the crunch of matzah or the singing of Dayenu*, the first day of Passover in 2026 will once again bring the story of the Exodus to life in homes across the United States.