Passover celebrations
01 Apr 2026
Supporting colleagues and students during Passover this April
Passover (also known as Pesach) is an eight-day Jewish festival, celebrated in early spring to commemorate the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Pesach is observed by avoiding leaven, and highlighted by the Seder meals that include four cups of wine, eating matzah and bitter herbs, and retelling the story of the Exodus.
When will Passover take place?
This year Passover begins on Wednesday, 1 April 2026 and ends on Thursday, 9 April 2026.
How is Passover celebrated?
Passover has two parts: the first two and last two days are holidays with candle lighting, festive meals, and restrictions on work and electricity. The first two nights feature a Seder, where the Exodus story is told over a meal. The middle four days, Chol Hamoed, are semi-festive, allowing most work.
Support and resources
- Passover Guidelines for colleagues and students
- Contact our Jewish Chaplain Rabbi Eli Simon, or get in touch with our wider Multi-faith chaplaincy team
- Our colleague networks are a great way to connect with the wider community, including our Jewish Staff Network
- If during this time, you find yourself away from friends and family and in need of support, our university wellbeing resources are available for both colleagues and students.