First Day of Passover 2025 in the United Kingdom

The First Day of Passover marks the beginning of the Jewish festival commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It is observed with a Seder meal, prayers, and the retelling of the Exodus story, symbolizing freedom and renewal.

First Day of Passover: A Public Holiday?

The First Day of Passover is not a public holiday in the UK. Businesses, offices, and schools follow regular opening hours, though many Jewish families take time off to observe the day with a Seder meal and special prayers.

First Day of Passover

The First Day of Passover marks the start of the eight-day Jewish festival that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as told in the Book of Exodus. According to tradition, God sent plagues to Egypt to free the Israelites, and on the night of the final plague, the Israelites marked their doorposts with lamb's blood so that the angel of death would "pass over" their homes. The festival celebrates physical liberation from bondage and spiritual renewal, focusing on themes of freedom and redemption. Passover has been observed by Jewish communities for thousands of years, with rituals passed down through generations.

First Day of Passover Celebration in the UK

In the UK, the First Day of Passover is a meaningful occasion for Jewish families, although it is not a public holiday. Schools, offices, and businesses remain open, and life continues as usual for most people. However, many Jewish families take time off to prepare for and participate in the Seder meal, which takes place on the first night of Passover. Some synagogues also hold special services to mark the beginning of the festival, bringing the community together for reflection and prayer.

Jewish families in the UK celebrate the First Day of Passover by gathering for the Seder, a meal that follows specific rituals and readings. The Haggadah is read aloud, recounting the Exodus story, and symbolic foods such as matzah (unleavened bread), bitter herbs, and charoset (a sweet paste) are eaten. Matzah represents the haste with which the Israelites fled Egypt, while the bitter herbs remind participants of the suffering endured in slavery. The Seder is also filled with songs, prayers, and the asking of the Four Questions by the youngest family member, reflecting the importance of passing on traditions to future generations.

The First Day of Passover holds great importance for Jewish people in the UK, as it serves as a time to connect with faith, heritage, and family traditions. The themes of freedom, resilience, and renewal resonate deeply, offering an opportunity to reflect on the value of liberty in both personal and communal life. Passover provides a way for Jewish families to celebrate their history while reinforcing a sense of identity and unity, making the festival both a joyous and meaningful occasion.

Who Celebrates the First Day of Passover in the UK?

With an estimated 270,000 Jewish people living in the United Kingdom, Passover is widely celebrated within Jewish communities. The largest populations dwell in London, especially in areas like Barnet, Golders Green, and Hackney. Other significant Jewish communities live in Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, and Birmingham. Across these regions, Jewish families mark the First Day of Passover with the Seder meal, prayers, and the retelling of the Exodus story, celebrating themes of freedom and renewal.

First Day of Passover Observances