Last day of Passover in Australia

Many Jewish Australians observe the last day of Passover, which marks the end of a period that celebrates the Jewish people’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Passover is also known as Pesah, Pesach, or the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

Pictured above is an example of a Seder plate during Passover.

©iStockphoto.com/LuVo

What do people do?

Passover lasts for up to eight days (or seven days among Reform Jewish groups). There are many Jewish people who adhere to various Sabbath observances on the last day of Passover. Some may take a holiday around this time of the year. Jewish families that observe the Passover eat a meal known as the Seder, which involves telling the story of the exodus from Egypt as well as eating various symbolic foods.  Unleavened bread replaces ordinary bread during Passover meals.

Public life

None of the Passover days are federal holidays in Australia. However, some Jewish businesses and organizations may close for some of the days or have restricted opening hours on others.

Background and symbols

Passover celebrates Jewish people’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt. It is one of the three pilgrim festivals.  Passover is related to the Christian observances of Good Friday and Easter Sunday and the Islamic Day of Ashura. Read about other Jewish observances, such as Tu B'Shevat (Arbor Day), Purim, Yom HaShoah, Lag B'Omer, Shavuot, Tisha B'Av and Rosh Hashana.

About Last day of Passover in other countries

Last day of Passover Observances

Other holidays in April 2013 in Australia

• Easter Monday ―Monday, April 1, 2013
• Easter Tuesday ―Tuesday, April 2, 2013
• Daylight Saving Time ends ―Sunday, April 7, 2013
• Yom HaShoah ―Monday, April 8, 2013
• Yom HaAtzmaut ―Tuesday, April 16, 2013
• Anzac Day ―Thursday, April 25, 2013
• Lag B'Omer ―Sunday, April 28, 2013