Passover

Passover History

Passover, also known as Pesach, commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt as depicted in the Book of Exodus. This observance is steeped in deep-seated traditions and rituals, among which the Seder meals, the removal of leavened items (chametz), and the reading of the Haggadah are prominent. These rituals are collectively performed to retell and relive the Exodus story, symbolizing a renewal of faith and a reaffirmation of freedom and redemption.

Historically, Passover dates back to biblical times around 1300 BCE, marking it as one of the oldest Jewish observances. In Canada, home to a vibrant Jewish community, the historical significance and thematic elements of Passover resonate deeply, emphasizing themes of liberation and freedom. These include the traditional Seder meals, which utilize symbolic foods to recount the Exodus story. The observance also has a contemporary resonance, as it invites reflection on modern forms of enslavement and oppression.

In Canada, Passover is observed ardently among Jewish communities - from city synagogues in Toronto and Montreal to smaller congregations across the country. While traditions can vary among different communities, many households will have a Seder meal, where specific foods are eaten, songs are sung, and the story of the Exodus is retold. Additionally, many Canadian Jews spend the weeks leading up to the start of Passover cleaning their homes of all chametz. The start of Passover typically aligns with the Jewish calendar and occurs at sunset on the 15th day of Nisan, which falls in late March or early April on the Gregorian calendar.

Top 8 Facts for 2026 Passover (Begins) in Canada

• In 2026, the start of Passover on the evening of April 1 coincides with the lead-up to the Canadian Easter long weekend, creating a unique intersection of major religious observances across the country.
• Many families in Canada observe the ritual-rich Seder, a ceremonial dinner where the Haggadah is read to retell the story of the Exodus from Egypt through specific songs, prayers, and symbolic foods.
• A significant contemporary addition to the table for many Canadian Jewish households is the inclusion of an empty chair or an extra seat at the dinner to honour hostages or those unable to celebrate in freedom.
• In the weeks preceding the holiday, households often undergo a rigorous "spring cleaning" to remove all traces of chametz, which refers to any leavened food products made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt.
• Because ordinary bread is forbidden, matzah—a flat, unleavened cracker—becomes a staple in Canadian grocery stores and a primary dietary component for the eight-day duration of the festival.
• Montreal, which is home to a large North African Jewish community, frequently hosts vibrant Mimouna celebrations at the conclusion of the holiday, a traditional Sephardic feast featuring sweets, flour-based crepes called moufleta, and symbols of good fortune.
• Canadian families often combine the holiday with local seasonal activities, leading to a rise in "Passover programs" at major resorts in destinations such as Mont-Tremblant, Whistler, and Niagara-on-the-Lake.
• The dietary shift during this period often leads to high demand for specific products like kosher-for-Passover maple syrup, which must be produced under specific rabbinical supervision to ensure no forbidden additives were used during processing.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Passover

Top things to do in Canada for Start of Passover

• Attend a Seder dinner or learn how to make your own Seder.
• Make Matzah. You can watch how to make matzah on youtube.
• Participate in Passover Seders: Many Jewish community centers and synagogues in Canada host community Seders. It can be a wonderful experience to celebrate Passover in a community setting. For example, you may check out events hosted by the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Center in Toronto or the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver.
• Attend a Matzah Bake: Some community centers or Chabad houses host Matzah baking events. This can be a fun activity, especially if traveling with kids.