The preparations for Pesach (Passover) are reaching their end as Jews the world over enter the holiday spirit of The Holiday of Our Freedom, also called The Holiday of Springtime, and tonight’s Seder approaches.
The joy at the prospect of the seder and noting the times below as well as keeping the holiday’s mitzvot is accompanied by prayers for the safety of our IDF soldiers fighting at various fronts for our safety and security.
The holiday begins at sundown and the seder will take place, Be"H on Wednesday night, 15th of Nisan, April 1, 2026.
On Tuesday night the “search for leaven," Bedikat Chametz, was enacted in each home followed by a prayer saying that all chametz (leavened products) that was not found is considered as if turned to dust.
To find a seder near you, as well as information about the seder itself and various aspects of the holiday, click here.
Wednesday, Erev Pesach schedule:
The fast for the first born starts at 5:11am in Jerusalem.
Chametz may be eaten until 10:07 in Jerusalem, in Tel Aviv until 10:09, in Haifa by 10:07, in Beer Sheva by 10:09.
Remaining chametz (from last night’s search and more) must be burned by 11:25 am in Jerusalem, by 11:27 in Tel Aviv, by 11:25 in Haifa, by 11:27 in Beer Sheva.
See here for times in the USA, here for times in London, and here for times in Australia.
The holiday begins at 6:23pm in Jerualem, at 6:40 in Tel Aviv, at 6:32 in Haifa, at 6:40 in Beer Sheva, at 6:20 in Petach Tikva, 6:42 in Modiin, 6:30 in Netanya, 6:28 in Eilat and Kiryat Shmona, 6:33 in Tsfat, 6:31 in Ashkelon, 6:39 in Ashdod.
In Israel, the first holiday ends on Thursday night and Chol Hamoed, the Intermediate Days, begin.
In the Diaspora, the first holiday is two days, with Shabbat, actually the first day of Chol Hamoed, following immediately and making it a three day holiday ending with the Havdala prayer on Saturday night. Because the holiday observance continues to Shabbat, an Eiruv Tavshilin must be prepared on Wednesday. See here for explanation and here for instructions.
Most important, you can find deliicious kosher for Pesach recipes online. (Remember, the word kosher is not enough. The recipes must be labelled Kosher for Pesach. Ashkenazic Jews refrain from eating legumes and rice, while Sepharadic Jew permit them, so be careful). For guidance on kosher for Pesach medicines, click here.
Pesach ends at nightfall on April 8th in Israel, and on April 9th in the Diaspora.
Arutz Sheva wishes everyone a happy, kosher, and quiet Passover holiday!
Next year, in rebuilt Jerusalem, may we all meet at the Beit Hamikdash for the Pesach offering!