The first night of Passover is referred to as “leil shimurim” (a night of guarding), based on Exodus 12:42.
1st day of Passover
Morning service. Full Hallel is recited. Two Torah scrolls are taken out of the ark.
Torah reading: Exodus 12:21–51 and Numbers 28:16–25.
Haftarah: Joshua 3:5–7, 5:2–6:1, 6:27.
Beginning with the Musaf Amidah, we recite “morid hatal,” the prayer for dew, and we omit the prayer for rain. This practice continues until Shemini Atzeret, the day after Sukkot.
The Priests bless the congregation with the Priestly Blessing during the Musaf prayer.
Festive lunch meal.
Complete Hallel is recited during Maariv evening prayers, followed by the “Counting of the Omer.” We count the 1st day of the Omer. The counting of the Omer is recited during each of the next forty-nine days, leading up to the holiday of Shavuot on the fiftieth day. The 49 days embody the 49 steps of self-improvement — beginning with the departure from our “personal” Egypt, until our arrival at Mount Sinai, when we are ready to accept the wisdom of the Torah.
Light candles for the 2nd day of Passover after dark, using an existing flame, and recite blessings 2 & 4. Click here for the blessings, and here for local candle lighting times.
Second Seder: The Seder contains the observance of many Biblical and Rabbinic Mitzvot, including: eating Matzah, eating Marror (bitter herbs), drinking four cups of wine, relating the story of the exodus to our children, reclining as a symbol of freedom, etc. (Click here for a How-To Seder guide.)
2nd Day of Passover
Morning service. Full Hallel is recited. Two Torah scrolls are taken out of the ark.
Torah reading: Leviticus 22:26–23:44 and Numbers 28:16–25.
Haftarah: II Kings 23:1–9, 21–25.
The Priests bless the congregation with the Priestly Blessing during the Musaf prayer.
Festive lunch meal.
Evening prayers. Atah Chonantanu is added in the Amidah. Following the Amidah, count the 2nd day of the Omer.
After nightfall, perform the Havdalah ceremony, omitting the blessings on the spices and on the candle flame.
Nightfall marks the beginning of Passover’s intermediate days. Between the first two and the last two days of Passover, we may resume much (not all) of our regular, workday activities (except on Shabbat, when regular Shabbat observances are kept); but, of course, we continue to eat Kosher for Passover foods exclusively. It is customary to drink a glass of wine or grape juice each day, in celebration of the festival.
3rd day of Passover
1st day of Chol Hamoed (intermediate day)
Morning service: In many communities, throughout the intermediate days of Passover, tefillin are not worn.
Half Hallel is recited. Two Torah scrolls are taken out of the ark. Torah reading: Exodus 13:1–16 and Numbers 28:19–25. The Musaf Amidah is recited. During all of the Intermediate Days, Yaaleh Veyavo is inserted during all prayers and in the Grace After Meals.
The Intermediate Days are observed with limited work restriction.
After nightfall, count the 3rd day of the Omer.
4th day of Passover
2nd day of Chol Hamoed (intermediate day)
Morning service: In many communities, throughout the intermediate days of Passover, tefillin are not worn.
Half Hallel is recited. Two Torah scrolls are taken out of the ark. Torah reading: Exodus 22:24–23:19 and Numbers 28:19–25. The Musaf Amidah is recited. During all of the Intermediate Days, Yaaleh Veyavo is inserted during all prayers and in the Grace After Meals.
The Intermediate Days are observed with limited work restriction.
After nightfall, count the 4th day of the Omer.
5th day of Passover
3rd day of Chol Hamoed (intermediate day)
Morning service: In many communities, throughout the intermediate days of Passover, tefillin are not worn.
Half Hallel is recited. Two Torah scrolls are taken out of the ark. Torah reading: Exodus 34:1–26 and Numbers 28:19–25. The Musaf Amidah is recited. During all of the Intermediate Days, Yaaleh Veyavo is inserted during all prayers and in the Grace After Meals.
The Intermediate Days are observed with limited work restriction.
After nightfall, count the 5th day of the Omer.
6th day of Passover
4th day of Chol Hamoed (intermediate day)
Morning service: In many communities, throughout the intermediate days of Passover, tefillin are not worn.
Half Hallel is recited. Two Torah scrolls are taken out of the ark. Torah reading: Numbers 9:1–14 and Numbers 28:19–25. The Musaf Amidah is recited. During all of the Intermediate Days, Yaaleh Veyavo is inserted during all prayers and in the Grace After Meals.
The Intermediate Days are observed with limited work restriction.
Light candles for the 7th day of Passover, and recite blessing 3. Click here for the blessing, and here for local candle lighting times.
Evening prayers. After the Amidah, count the 6th day of the Omer.
It is customary in many communities to remain awake all night, studying Torah, in commemoration of the great miracle of the Splitting of the Sea, which occurred on the 7th day of Passover.
7th day of Passover — Shevi'i Shel Pesach
Morning service. Partial Hallel is recited. Two Torah scrolls are taken out of the ark.
Torah reading: Exodus 13:17–15:26 and Numbers 28:19–25.
Haftarah: II Samuel 22:1–51.
The Priests bless the congregation with the Priestly Blessing during the Musaf prayer.
Festive lunch meal.
Evening prayers. After the Amidah, count the 7th day of the Omer.
Light candles for the 8th day of Passover after dark, using an existing flame, and recite blessing 2. Click here for the blessing, and here for local candle lighting times.
Final Day of Passover — Acharon Shel Pesach
Morning service. Partial Hallel is recited. Two Torah scrolls are taken out of the ark.
Torah reading: Deuteronomy 15:19–16:17 and Numbers 28:19–25.
Haftarah: Isaiah 10:32–12:6.
The Yizkor memorial service is recited following the Torah reading.
The Priests bless the congregation with the Priestly Blessing during the Musaf prayer.
Festive lunch meal.
On this final day of Passover we strive for the highest level of freedom, and focus on the Final Redemption. Following the Baal Shem Tov’s custom, we end Passover with “Moshiach’s Feast” — a festive meal complete with matzah and four cups of wine, during which we celebrate the imminent arrival of the Messiah. The feast begins before sunset and continues until after nightfall.
Evening prayers. After the Amidah, count the 8th day of the Omer.
After nightfall, perform the Havdalah ceremony, omitting the blessings on the spices and on the candle flame.
Nightfall is the official end of Passover (for the exact time, click here). Wait an hour to give the rabbi enough time to buy back your Chametz before eating it.
The day following the holiday is known as Isru Chag. It is forbidden to fast on this day.
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