Passover marks the Israelites' liberation from slavery and their exodus from Egypt around 3000 years ago.
Name
First day of Passover
First day of Passover 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
First day of Passover 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010 Note: Many Jewish holidays begin at sundown the day before the date specified for the holiday. See list of observations below
Passover (Pesach) lasts for eight days in the United Kingdom. Many Jewish people in the United Kingdom spend the Passover period with family members or close friends and attend special communal meals known as Seders.
Many people spend the Passover period with family and close friends. They eat ceremonial meals, known as Seders and make a special effort to cook traditional Jewish food. They also invite other Jewish people, particularly the poor, frail or live alone.
Many communities, especially in London and Manchester, organize communal Seders. These are held in community halls, synagogues, private homes and hotels. Some people choose to take a vacation to at a Jewish-run hotel during the Passover period. France, Hungary, Italy, Spain and Switzerland are popular destinations for retreats during Passover.
Public life
Passover is not a bank holiday in the United Kingdom. However, some Jewish businesses and organizations may be closed or offer a reduced level of service during the Passover period.