Passover is an eight-day festival for the Jewish religion, celebrating the the deliverance of the Jewish people from Egypt's pharaohs. Passover begins at sunset on the 14th of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar.Judaica Guide: Passover
In 2009 Passover begins at sunset on Wednesday, April 8, 2009, and ends on sunset on Wednesday April 15th.
White House Seder
President Barack Obama will host a Passover Seder at the White House on April 8, 2009. According to Fox News, Obama's seder would be the first time an American president held and attended a seder in the White House.FOXNews.com: Obama to Host Seder at White House (April 8, 2009]
Passover Events
The first two and the last two days of Passover are full-fledged holidays, when the days are legal holidays when people do not go to work and special prayer services; the middle four days are intermediate days, called Chol Hamoed. Jews in different parts of the world celebrate Passover in different ways. In Israel, Passover is seven days long, but Diaspora Jews (those scattered around the globe) traditionally celebrate eight days.Judaica Guide: Passover
References
Fast Facts
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Dates
April 9-15, 2009 (starts on sunset of the day before)
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Hebrew dates
15th-22nd day of Nisan, Jewish Year 5769
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Fact:
March 30, 2010 (Jewish Year 5770)
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Fact:
April 19, 2011 (Jewish Year 5771)
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Fact:
A Seder, or ceremonial dinner is done on the first evening of PassoverJudaica Guide: Passover
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Fact:
The Seder plate includes symbolic foods Judaica Guide: Passover
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Fact:
Throughout Passover only unleavened bread is eatenJudaica Guide: Passover
