Jewish Easter in 2025: what date, what does Passover mean

Passover is celebrated annually in the spring. This is one of the most important Jewish holidays, which commemorates the exodus of the Jews from Egypt. The celebration is also called the Jewish Passover. In 2025, Passover will begin to be celebrated on the evening of April 12, and will end on the evening of April 19. Izvestia tells us how long the holiday will last and what traditions are associated with it.

The Jewish Easter: What does Passover mean?

The history of the holiday dates back to the Old Testament story of the liberation of the Jews from Egyptian slavery. It recalls an event that preceded the exodus of the Jews from Egypt.

For Pharaoh's refusal to let the Jews go to Canaan, the "promised land" promised by God, numerous disasters fell on the Egyptians, known as the 10 Plagues of Egypt. Among them were the invasion of locusts, the turning of the waters of the Nile into blood, the pestilence of fish and livestock, as well as the death of all the firstborn in the families of the Egyptians. During this last, tenth, Egyptian execution, death affected only the firstborn of the Egyptians, without affecting the Jewish families. The very word "Passover" means "passed by."

It was only after all these troubles that Pharaoh allowed the Jews to leave Egypt. The exodus of the Israelis marked the beginning of the history of the Jewish people and the building of their own independent state. Since then, the entire system of Judaism has been based on the memory of this event.

When do Jews celebrate Passover in 2025

The date of the holiday changes from year to year. According to the Jewish calendar, Passover begins to be celebrated on the 14th day of the month of Nisan. This is the first month of the Jewish year, which corresponds to March-April of the Gregorian calendar, which is customary for Russians. In the Torah, the holy book of the Jews, he is called Aviv.

It was in the month of Nisan that the exodus of Jews from Egypt took place, marking the end of centuries of captivity. This spring month, when everything is blooming, symbolizes renewal and the beginning of a new life.

In 2025, Passover will begin at sunset on April 12 (Saturday) and last until the night of April 19 (Saturday). Traditionally, it is celebrated in Israel for seven days, and outside the country for eight. The first and last days of the celebration are always weekends, the rest are considered "festive weekdays".

How to celebrate Passover in 2025

The order of celebration of the Jewish Passover is defined in detail in the Torah. The traditions of the holiday are carefully preserved and passed down from generation to generation. Preparations for Passover begin even before its onset: houses are carefully cleaned, festive dishes and gifts for loved ones are prepared.

All types of work are prohibited on the first day. Believers go to a solemn service in the synagogue, and after that they arrange a festive seder dinner, where relatives and those who are left alone during the holiday are invited.

A special meal is prepared for the seder, which is placed in a certain order on a platter. Among them are necessarily present: maror (bitter greens that symbolize the bitterness and severity of slavery), haroset (a mixture of mashed apples with dates and nuts, resembling clay, which Jews often worked with in Egypt), zroa (a piece of fried meat with a bone inside, symbolizing sacrifices in Egypt), and Boiled eggs are also a symbol of life.

During the feast, it is customary to drink four glasses of wine or grape juice according to the number of promises that God has made to the chosen people. The fifth glass is left untouched for the prophet Elijah, revered by Jews. During all days, believers do not eat bread and fermented products, with the exception of matzo — unleavened bread. Such a ban has been established since ancient times in memory of the fact that the Jews, after leaving Egypt, ate only matzo in the desert.

How to wish happy Passover in 2025

On the eve of Passover, as well as any other Jewish holiday, you can hear the words "Hag Sameah!", which in Hebrew means "Happy holiday!".

This is a universal greeting that is often pronounced in Israel and during the celebration of Passover by Jews in Russia.

Since the holiday represents liberation from captivity and the beginning of a new life, congratulatory speeches often wish to appreciate their newfound freedom, remain masters of their destiny and act boldly for the sake of the future.

According to a long-standing tradition, they wish not to forget about those who especially need help, support and care. And since the holiday is a family one, wishes of peace, kindness and well—being are added to the congratulations.