Last day of Passover in Canada

Many Jewish communities in Canada mark the last day of Passover as the end of a Jewish holiday that celebrates the deliverance of Jewish people 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 the Passover period. ©iStockphoto.com/sterlin_photo

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 most of the Sabbath observances during the last day of Passover. Some may take a holiday around this time of the year.

Many Jewish families in Canada eat a ceremonial 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. Many families end the meal with after-dinner blessings and by singing traditional songs.

Public life

None of the Passover days are federal holidays in Canada. However, many Jewish businesses and organizations are closed 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 2012 in Canada

• Palm Sunday ―Sunday, April 1, 2012
• Maundy Thursday ―Thursday, April 5, 2012
• Good Friday ―Friday, April 6, 2012
• First day of Passover ―Saturday, April 7, 2012
• Holy Saturday ―Saturday, April 7, 2012
• Easter Sunday ―Sunday, April 8, 2012
• Vimy Ridge Day ―Monday, April 9, 2012
• Easter Monday ―Monday, April 9, 2012
• Orthodox Good Friday ―Friday, April 13, 2012
• Orthodox Holy Saturday ―Saturday, April 14, 2012
• Orthodox Easter ―Sunday, April 15, 2012
• Orthodox Easter Monday ―Monday, April 16, 2012
• Yom HaShoah ―Wednesday, April 18, 2012
• St. George's Day ―Monday, April 23, 2012
• Yom HaAtzmaut ―Thursday, April 26, 2012