Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, is one of the most significant and widely observed Jewish holidays, commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Because the Jewish calendar is lunar-based, the date shifts annually on the Gregorian calendar used for civil purposes, creating a moving window for observance. Understanding when Passover occurs each year requires looking at a specific calculation based on astronomical events and religious rules, rather than a fixed Gregorian date.
The Core Timing: The 15th of Nisan
The timing of Passover is fundamentally tied to the Hebrew calendar, which begins the month of Nisan with the first sighting of the new moon in the spring. According to religious tradition, the holiday begins on the 15th day of this month. This places Passover directly in the spring season, aligning with the biblical command to observe the festival "in the month of spring" (Exodus 23:15). This ensures the holiday falls during the season of rebirth and renewal, mirroring the story of the Exodus from Egypt.
How the Date is Calculated
While the start of Nisan is based on the new moon, the precise calendar calculations are fixed well in advance. The Jewish calendar uses a mathematical system to determine the molad, the calculated moment of the new moon. Passover begins at sundown on the 14th day of Nisan and lasts for eight days (or seven in Israel and some Reform communities). Because the solar year is longer than 12 lunar cycles, an intercalary month is added seven times every 19 years to keep the calendar aligned with the seasons, ensuring Passover remains in the spring.
Observance Differences: Israel vs. The Diaspora
A notable factor in answering "when is Passover" is the difference in observance length. In Israel, where the holiday originated, Passover is observed for seven days. The eighth day, known as Shemini Atzeret, is celebrated separately. In the Diaspora, however, an extra day is added to almost all holidays out of an ancient custom of extending holy days for communities outside Israel where news of the new moon was uncertain. This results in an eight-day observance for Passover in places like the United States, Europe, and Canada.
Passing Through the Seasons
Because the Hebrew calendar year is about 11 days shorter than the solar year, the dates of Jewish holidays drift earlier relative to the Gregorian calendar by approximately one day every two years. Passover can occur as early as late March or as late as mid-April. For example, in 2023 it began in April, while in 2026 it will begin in March. This variability is why the holiday does not have a fixed date like Christmas on December 25.
Key Dates to Remember
To simplify the planning for the upcoming year, here is a table outlining the Gregorian dates for the start of Passover for the next several years.
