First Day of Passover 2026 in Australia

The first day of Passover is observed with special meals called Seders, where families retell the story of the Exodus from Egypt. Jewish communities across Australia gather to celebrate freedom, tradition, and shared history through prayer, songs, and symbolic foods.

First Day of Passover: A Public Holiday?

The first day of Passover is not a public holiday in Australia; it is observed within the Jewish community through religious and cultural traditions.

First Day of Passover

Passover has been observed in Australia since the arrival of Jewish settlers in the 1800s. These early communities brought with them the traditions of the Seder, matzah, and the story of the Exodus from Egypt. Even in small numbers, Jewish families found ways to honor this important festival by gathering, retelling the story of freedom, and maintaining religious customs.

As Jewish migration increased, especially after World War II, Passover became more widely observed across cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth. Schools, synagogues, and community centers began to support larger celebrations and educational events. Although not a public holiday, Passover has remained one of the most important Jewish festivals in Australia. The first day of Passover holds special meaning, as it begins the eight-day festival and brings families together to reflect on freedom, history, and faith through the Seder meal.

Observance of the First Day of Passover in Australia

The first day of Passover is a meaningful and festive occasion for Jewish families across Australia. It begins with a Seder, a special meal filled with traditions, prayers, and storytelling. Families gather around the table to read from the Haggadah, a book that tells the story of the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt. The meal includes symbolic foods like matzah, bitter herbs, and charoset, each representing different parts of the story. This night is especially significant for children, who are encouraged to ask questions and take part in the rituals.

Across Australia, Jewish schools and community centers help families prepare for the festival. Many host model Seders or educational events in the lead-up to Passover. Families often take time off work and school on the first day to join the celebrations. Although not a public holiday, the Jewish community treats the day with great respect. The home takes on a special atmosphere, free of leavened bread, with many switching to kosher-for-Passover foods. It is a time of connection, learning, and tradition.

The first day of Passover is important because it sets the tone for the rest of the festival. It celebrates freedom, resilience, and the power of memory. For Jewish Australians, it is a chance to reconnect with their history, share meaningful moments with loved ones, and pass down values to the next generation. The rituals and messages of the Seder offer timeless lessons about justice, hope, and gratitude. While not widely recognized outside the Jewish community, the first day of Passover remains a deeply significant and joyful moment in Jewish life across Australia.

First Day of Passover Observances