Passover 2027 Begins at Sundown on April 21 With These Important Dates

Passover 2027, also known as Pesach, will begin on the evening of Wednesday, April 21, 2027. This major Jewish holiday commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt and is observed for seven days in Israel and eight days in the Diaspora (Jewish communities outside of Israel). The festival concludes at nightfall on Thursday, April 29, 2027.

Because the Jewish calendar is lunisolar, the dates of Passover fluctuate on the Gregorian calendar each year. In 2027, which corresponds to the Hebrew year 5787, the holiday falls relatively late in the spring compared to other years. Understanding the specific schedule for the Seders, the intermediate days (Chol Hamoed), and the concluding days is essential for those planning travel, communal meals, or religious observance.

Key Dates and Times for Passover 2027

The observance of Passover starts before sunset on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan. In 2027, this falls on April 21. Below is the primary schedule for the eight-day observance in the Diaspora:

Wednesday, April 21, 2027 (Erev Pesach): The holiday begins at sundown. The first Seder is held after nightfall.
Thursday, April 22, 2027 (Pesach I): First day of Passover. The second Seder is held after nightfall (for those outside Israel).
Friday, April 23, 2027 (Pesach II): Second day of Passover. Full holiday restrictions apply.
Saturday, April 24 – Tuesday, April 27, 2027: These are the intermediate days, known as Chol Hamoed. While work is permitted with some restrictions, the dietary laws of Passover remain in full effect.
Wednesday, April 28, 2027 (Pesach VII): The seventh day of Passover. This is a full holiday (Yom Tov) commemorating the splitting of the Sea of Reeds.
Thursday, April 29, 2027 (Pesach VIII): The final day of Passover (Diaspora only). The holiday officially concludes after nightfall.

When Are the 2027 Passover Seders?

The Seder is the central ritual of the holiday, featuring the reading of the Haggadah, the drinking of four cups of wine, and the consumption of symbolic foods like Matzah and Maror.

In 2027, the first Seder will be held on the night of Wednesday, April 21. In Jewish communities outside of Israel, a second Seder is held the following evening, Thursday, April 22. In Israel, only one Seder is traditionally observed, occurring on the night of April 21.

The timing of the Seder is critical. It must begin after nightfall, which in most northern hemisphere locations in late April occurs between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Planning for these meals often starts months in advance due to the complexity of the dietary requirements and the number of guests typically invited.

Understanding the Hebrew Year 5787

The year 2027 coincides with the Hebrew year 5787. In the Jewish calendar, the months follow the moon's cycles, but the years are adjusted to the solar cycle to ensure that Passover always falls in the spring (the season of Aviv). This adjustment is made through a 19-year cycle that includes seven leap years, where an extra month (Adar II) is added.

The late start of Passover on April 21 in 2027 is a result of this intercalary system. When the holiday falls this late in April, it often coincides with peak spring weather, which adds a layer of agricultural significance to the "Feast of Unleavened Bread." Historically, the holiday was tied to the barley harvest, and the timing ensures that the "first fruits" would have been available in the land of Israel.

Work Restrictions and Yom Tov Status

During Passover, specific days are classified as Yom Tov (full holiday), while others are Chol Hamoed (intermediate days).

Full Holiday Days (April 22, 23, 28, and 29)

On these days, traditional Jewish law prohibits most forms of "melacha" (work), similar to the restrictions on Shabbat. This includes writing, driving, using electronic devices, and conducting business. For employees and students, these are typically the days when absences are necessary.

April 22 & 23: The first two days (celebrating the Exodus).
April 28 & 29: The last two days (celebrating the crossing of the sea).

Intermediate Days (April 24 – 27)

These days are a "middle ground." While the strict prohibition of leavened bread (Chametz) continues, the prohibition on work is significantly relaxed. Many people continue to work or attend school but may avoid strenuous labor or complex business transactions. In our experience, these days are often used for family outings, provided the food brought along is Kosher for Passover.

Preparing for Passover 2027: The Removal of Chametz

The weeks leading up to April 21, 2027, will involve intensive cleaning for many Jewish households. The Torah strictly forbids the possession or consumption of Chametz—any food product made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt that has been allowed to leaven.

Search for Leaven (Bedikat Chametz)

On the night of Tuesday, April 20, 2027 (the night before the holiday begins), the ritual search for leaven is performed. Using a candle, a feather, and a wooden spoon, the head of the household searches for any remaining crumbs of bread or pasta. Any Chametz found is set aside to be burned the following morning.

Burning of Leaven (Biur Chametz)

On the morning of Wednesday, April 21, the Chametz is formally burned or nullified. Traditionally, there is a deadline—usually around 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM local time—after which one may no longer eat or own Chametz until the holiday ends on April 29.

The Fast of the Firstborn

Wednesday, April 21, is also the Fast of the Firstborn (Ta'anit Bechorot). This fast commemorates the fact that the Jewish firstborn sons were spared during the tenth plague in Egypt. Most firstborns attend a Siyum (a celebration of the completion of a tractate of the Talmud) at a synagogue on the morning of Erev Pesach, which allows them to break the fast with a celebratory meal.

The 15 Steps of the Passover Seder

When guests sit down on the night of April 21, 2027, they will follow a structured order (Seder means "order") consisting of 15 steps. In our practical experience, following these steps ensures the narrative of the Exodus is fully internalized.

Kadeish: Sanctification of the holiday over the first cup of wine.
Urchatz: First ritual washing of the hands (without a blessing).
Karpas: Dipping a vegetable (usually parsley) into salt water to represent the tears of the slaves.
Yachatz: Breaking the middle Matzah and hiding the larger half as the Afikoman.
Maggid: The primary storytelling phase, beginning with the Four Questions (Mah Nishtanah).
Rachtzah: Second ritual washing of the hands (with a blessing) before eating Matzah.
Motzi: The blessing over grain products.
Matzah: The specific blessing for the commandment of eating Matzah.
Maror: Eating bitter herbs (usually horseradish or romaine) to recall the bitterness of slavery.
Koreich: The "Hillel Sandwich" combining Matzah, Maror, and Charoset (a fruit and nut paste).
Shulchan Oreich: The festive meal.
Tzafun: Finding and eating the Afikoman. This is the last thing eaten at the Seder.
Bareich: Grace after meals and the third cup of wine.
Hallel: Recitation of psalms of praise and the fourth cup of wine.
Nirtzah: The conclusion, often ending with the phrase "Next year in Jerusalem!"

Torah Portions and Readings for Passover 2027

For those attending synagogue services during the eight days of Passover 2027, the Torah readings follow a specific cycle that highlights the Exodus narrative and the laws of the festivals.

Day 1 (April 22): Exodus 12:21–51. This describes the institution of the Passover sacrifice and the tenth plague.
Day 2 (April 23): Leviticus 22:26–23:44. This section outlines the various festivals of the Jewish year.
Shabbat Chol Hamoed (April 24): Exodus 33:12–34:26. This includes the "Thirteen Attributes of Mercy" and the command to observe the three pilgrimage festivals.
Intermediate Days (April 25–27): Various readings from Exodus and Numbers (including Numbers 28:19–25) focusing on the sacrifices offered in the Temple.
Day 7 (April 28): Exodus 13:17–15:26. This tells the story of the splitting of the Sea of Reeds and the "Song at the Sea."
Day 8 (April 29): Deuteronomy 15:19–16:17. This focuses on the laws of the tithes and the three festivals (Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot).

Dietary Guidelines: What is Allowed?

The most distinctive aspect of Passover is the strict diet. For the duration of the holiday (April 21–29, 2027), the following rules apply:

Matzah is Mandatory: On the first night(s), there is a specific commandment to eat handmade Shmura Matzah or machine-made Matzah. Matzah is "bread" that has not been allowed to rise for more than 18 minutes.
No Chametz: This includes any bread, cereal, pasta, beer, or liquor made from the five grains.
Kitniyot (Ashkenazic Tradition): Many Jews of Eastern European descent also avoid rice, beans, corn, and lentils. However, many Sephardic communities do consume these items. If you are hosting guests in 2027, it is vital to check their specific traditions regarding Kitniyot.
Kosher for Passover Certification: Because modern food processing is complex, most observant households look for a specific "P" label next to the Kosher symbol on products like oil, sugar, and juice to ensure no Chametz was introduced during manufacturing.

Counting of the Omer

Beginning on the second night of Passover (April 22, 2027), the Jewish community begins the "Counting of the Omer" (Sefirat HaOmer). This is a 49-day countdown that links the physical liberation of Passover with the spiritual revelation at Mount Sinai, celebrated on Shavuot.

Every night for seven weeks, a blessing is said, and the day is counted. In 2027, the 49th day of the Omer will fall on Wednesday, June 9, with Shavuot beginning on the evening of Thursday, June 10.

Why 2027 Passover Dates Matter for Planning

Because Passover 2027 falls late in April, it has several practical implications:

Travel and Accommodation: The dates (April 21–29) often overlap with spring break schedules or the start of warmer travel seasons. If you plan to attend a "Passover Program" at a hotel or resort, booking at least 12 months in advance is recommended.
Seasonal Produce: The late date means that spring vegetables like asparagus and artichokes, which are popular Seder ingredients, will be in peak season.
Weather for Outdoor Events: In many regions, late April provides more reliable weather for large family gatherings or outdoor "Seder under the stars" events compared to an early April Passover.

Summary of Passover 2027

Passover 2027 begins at sundown on Wednesday, April 21, and concludes on the night of Thursday, April 29. The first Seder is the night of April 21, with a second Seder on April 22 for those in the Diaspora. The holiday spans the Hebrew dates of 15–22 Nisan 5787. Throughout these eight days, the consumption of leavened bread is forbidden, replaced by Matzah to symbolize the haste with which the Israelites fled Egypt. Whether you are observing the full religious restrictions or simply joining a family meal, these dates are the anchor for one of the most significant periods on the 2027 Jewish calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Passover start on April 21, 2027?

Passover starts at sundown. The exact time depends on your geographic location. For example, in New York City, sundown in late April is typically around 7:40 PM, while in London, it is closer to 8:15 PM. You should check a local Jewish calendar for the "Candle Lighting" time for your specific zip code.

Can I work during Passover 2027?

Work is generally prohibited on the "Full Holiday" days: April 22, April 23, April 28, and April 29. Work is permitted on the intermediate days (Chol Hamoed) from April 24 through April 27, though many people choose to take these days off or work reduced hours to focus on the holiday.

Why does Passover end on April 29 in 2027?

In the Diaspora, an extra day is added to major festivals to ensure the holiday is observed on the correct day, a tradition dating back to ancient times when the new moon was signaled by fire or messengers. Therefore, while Passover in Israel ends after seven days (April 28), it ends after eight days (April 29) elsewhere.

When should I stop eating bread (Chametz) on April 21?

You must stop eating Chametz several hours before sundown on April 21. Traditionally, this is at the end of the "fourth proportional hour" of the day, which usually falls around 10:30 AM local time. Following this, you must burn or sell your remaining leaven by roughly 11:30 AM.

Is 2027 a Jewish leap year?

Yes, the Hebrew year 5787 (which includes the spring of 2027) is part of a cycle that ensures the holiday remains in the spring. However, the specific "leap month" (Adar II) occurred in the preceding months to push Nisan into its late April position.