Passover

Passover History

Passover commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt, as described in the Book of Exodus. This eight-day celebration is characterised by various customs, including the Seder meal, the removal of leavened products (chametz) from the home, and the eating of a type of unleavened bread known as matzah. The Seder meal, in particular, is highly symbolic, involving various rituals from drinking four cups of wine signifying God's four promises of redemption, to retelling the story of the Exodus.

Roots of Passover can be traced back to Biblical times, and the festival has been observed by Jewish communities for over 3000 years. In the UK, Jewish communities have a rich history and have continued to observe Passover and its rituals. Moreover, it's worth noting that more than just being a religious observance, Passover also serves as a time of introspection and learning, with particular emphasis on themes of freedom, justice, and social responsibility. Over time, these values have resonated with not only Jewish communities but also with many others in the UK, making Passover observances a broader reminder of shared societal values.

In terms of observing Passover in the UK, the customs are largely similar to global Jewish practices. The festival usually begins with the Seder meal on the first night, where families and friends gather to retell the Exodus story and share in symbolic foods. The following week is marked by abstaining from leavened products and participating in various community events and prayers. In the UK, Passover typically coincides with the Christian observance of Easter, as it starts on the 15th day of Nissan in the Hebrew calendar, which usually falls in March or April according to the Gregorian calendar.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Passover (Begins) in the UK

• The upcoming observance of Passover, which begins at sundown on 1st April 2026, presents several unique cultural and culinary facets that resonate within the United Kingdom.
  
  Beyond the fundamental religious significance, here are the most important or interesting facts about the start of Passover for a UK audience:
  
  The 2026 start of Passover coincides with April Fool’s Day, a timing that often sparks lighthearted discussion in British communities about the challenges of preparing a Seder meal without any "prank" ingredients.
• A significant majority of the UK’s Jewish population, approximately 81% according to recent studies, observes the first night of the festival by attending a Seder, a ritual feast that remains the most widely practiced tradition among both secular and religious households.
• British families often follow unique culinary traditions, such as incorporating Nigella Lawson's Venetian-style Haroset from her book Feast: Food that Celebrates Life, which uses chestnuts and pine nuts rather than the more common apple-based Ashkenazi mixtures.
• For many in the UK, the Kedassia certification is considered the "gold standard" for Passover products, ensuring that everything from matzo to chocolate meets the strictest standards of being Kosher for Passover.
• A popular contemporary tradition in the UK involves the Table Manners Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls recipe from the podcast Table Manners with Jessie and Lennie Ware, which has become a modern staple for the first night of the festival.
• Because Passover is observed for eight days in the UK—one day longer than in Israel—the start of the festival involves preparing for two consecutive nights of Seders, a practice rooted in ancient tradition to ensure the correct date was observed outside the Levant.
• The ritual of searching for and removing Chametz, or leavened products, often leads to a surge in donations to UK-based food banks, as families clear their cupboards of bread and pasta before the festival begins.
• During the meal, children in the UK participate in the "Afikoman" hunt, where a piece of broken matzo is hidden for them to find in exchange for a small prize or money, often referred to as Afikoman gelt.
• While the Ashkenazi tradition of abstaining from Kitniyot (legumes like rice and corn) is common in the UK, the growing influence of Sephardi and Mizrahi communities has introduced diverse dishes like Shakshuka or Persian-style frittatas to many British Passover tables.
• The Haggadah, the text recited during the Seder, is often a cherished family heirloom in British homes, with some families using centuries-old versions or modern British editions that incorporate themes of contemporary social justice.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Passover

Top things to do in the UK 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.
• Visit the Jewish Museum London: The Jewish Museum London has the finest collection of Jewish history in all of Britain. During Passover, the museum often hosts special exhibits, events, and programs dedicated to Passover.
• Participate in the JW3 Passover Celebration: JW3 is a Jewish Community Centre and arts venue in London that hosts various events such as Passover Seder meals, music and dance performances, and educational programs during Passover.

Start of Passover references