Passover, also called Pesach in Hebrew, is one of the most meaningful holidays in the Jewish calendar. It commemorates the Biblical story of the Exodus, when the Israelites were freed from slavery in ancient Egypt. Central to the celebration is the Seder, a festive meal filled with symbolic foods, songs and storytelling that reflects on freedom, resilience and community.
For families in the capital region, Passover is both a religious observance and a cultural tradition. It typically takes place over eight days in early spring and includes special rituals like eating matzah (unleavened bread), retelling the Exodus story and gatherings with friends and neighbors.
Whether you’re observing Passover for the first time or looking to take part in a community celebration, the DMV offers a range of Seders and events from traditional services to creative and inclusive experiences that help make the holiday meaningful for all ages and backgrounds.
Passover begins at sundown on Wednesday, April 1, and continues through Thursday, April 9.
What Passover celebrates and how it’s observed
Passover marks the liberation of the Israelites from slavery under the pharaoh, and its name refers to the “passing over” of the Jewish homes when the final plague struck Egypt. Tradition holds that families gather for a Seder meal on the first (and often second) nights of the holiday to retell the Exodus story through readings from a Haggadah, share symbolic foods (like bitter herbs and charoset), and drink four cups of wine.
Eating unleavened bread (matzah) throughout the holiday recalls the haste with which the Israelites fled Egypt; they didn’t have time to let their bread rise. Many families also avoid chametz (leavened grains) during Passover as part of the observance.
While deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, Passover gatherings in the DMV often embrace community, shared meals and cultural exploration from interfaith Seders to inclusive celebrations focusing on freedom, justice and identity.
Local ways to celebrate Passover near you
Nights at the Seder Table — Capital Jewish Museum
This annual seder experience at the Capital Jewish Museum mixes tradition with community engagement and meaningful conversation. Guests read from a community Haggadah, enjoy kosher or kosher-style dinner options and connect over charoset, matzah and the story of freedom.
- Address: 575 3rd St. NW, Washington, DC
- Dates: 6:30-8:30 p.m. March. 26
- Phone: (202) 789-0990
Community Passover Seder — Washington Hebrew Congregation
A centerpiece of Passover in the DMV, this community seder brings together neighbors for storytelling, ritual foods, wine and song that enrich the holiday. It’s a warm setting for those new to Passover or looking to celebrate with others.
- Address: 3935 Macomb St. NW, Washington, DC
- Dates: 6 p.m. April 1-8
- Phone: (202) 362-7100
Pesache — Chabad East DC Jewish Center
Celebrate Passover (Pesache) with loved ones, relive the exodus and learn the meaning of Haggadah. Enjoy a community Seder with Shmurah Matzha, wine and a traditional dinner.
- Address: 406 8th St. SE, Washington, DC
- Dates: April 1-9
- Phone: 202-643-5644
Passover Seder Boot Camp — Edlavitch DCJCC
Are you preparing to host or attend your first seder? Looking for a quick Passover refresher? This comprehensive planning session covers the essential flow of the seder, along with meaningful insights, alternative traditions and practical tips to help everything run smoothly.
- Address: 1529 16th St., NW, Washington, DC
- Dates: 10:30-noon April 14
- Phone: (202) 240-2114
Observance tips for families and newcomers
Even if you’re not attending a group seder, you can observe Passover traditions at home. Many local congregations and community centers offer classes on Passover customs, how to host a seder and explanations of symbolic foods (like matzah, wine, lamb shank and bitter herbs) that help bring the holiday story to life around the table.
Passover lasts for eight days and typically falls in March or April. The first and second nights often include Seders, while weekdays and weekend mornings may include special worship services or community gatherings.
Essentials for the Seder
- A Haggadah: The book that guides you through the seder
- Seder Plate Items: You’ll need these six symbolic foods:
- Matzah – Unleavened bread (usually 3 pieces stacked)
- Maror – Bitter herbs (often horseradish)
- Charoset – A sweet apple-nut mixture
- Karpas – A green vegetable (like parsley)
- Zeroa – A roasted bone (or symbolic substitute)
- Beitzah – A roasted or hard-boiled egg
- Drinks
- Wine or grape juice (enough for each adult/participant)
- A special cup for Elijah (optional but traditional)
- Candles: Holiday candles (for lighting at the start of the evening)
- The Meal: Traditional items often include:
- Chicken soup with matzah balls
- Brisket or roasted chicken
- Kugel or roasted vegetables
- Flourless desserts (like macarons or flourless chocolate cake)
