First Day of Passover 2026 in Canada

The First Day of Passover is observed across Canada with synagogue services and festive Seder meals, where families gather to retell the Exodus story and eat symbolic foods like matzah and bitter herbs. It marks the beginning of the eight-day festival, celebrating freedom and renewal.

First Day of Passover: A Public Holiday?

The First Day of Passover is not a public holiday in Canada. Businesses, schools, and government offices remain open, but many Jewish Canadians take time off to attend synagogue services and celebrate the Seder with family.

Passover

Passover has been observed in Canada for generations, brought by Jewish immigrants from Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. As Jewish communities established themselves in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, they carried their traditions with them, ensuring that the celebration of freedom remained central to their identity. Despite being a minority in Canada's multicultural landscape, Jewish Canadians have upheld the customs of Passover with deep devotion.

The Seder, the traditional meal held on the first night, has remained a cornerstone of the holiday. Families gather to retell the story of the Exodus, emphasizing themes of liberation and faith. Over time, Canadian Jewish organizations and synagogues have played a crucial role in preserving and adapting Passover traditions, providing kosher-for-Passover food and hosting communal Seders for those without family nearby. Today, Passover remains one of the most widely observed Jewish festivals in Canada.

Observance of the First Day of Passover in Canada

Passover is celebrated in Jewish communities across Canada with synagogue services, special meals, and the observance of dietary laws that prohibit leavened foods. The highlight of the festival is the Seder, a meal held on the first night, where families and friends gather to retell the Exodus story. The table is set with symbolic foods, including matzah, bitter herbs, and charoset, representing different aspects of the Jewish people's journey from slavery to freedom. Prayers, songs, and the reading of the Haggadah make the evening meaningful and interactive.

Since Passover lasts eight days, Jewish Canadians follow strict dietary laws, avoiding bread and other leavened products. Many grocery stores in cities with large Jewish populations stock kosher-for-Passover food, making it easier for families to observe the holiday. Community Seders are organized by synagogues and Jewish organizations, welcoming those who may not have family nearby. Schools with Jewish students often accommodate them by excusing absences or allowing alternative meals during the holiday.

Passover is significant because it is a historical commemoration and a reminder of resilience, faith, and freedom. The themes of justice and liberation resonate beyond Jewish communities, making it a meaningful time for reflection. For Jewish Canadians, it strengthens their connection to their heritage, bringing families together in a tradition passed down for generations.

First Day of Passover Observances