Key Takeaways: When Does Passover End
Passover ends at different times depending on custom, daylight, and the calendar used. In 2018, the main conclusion is that most traditions mark the end on the evening of Tuesday, April 3.
- In many communities, the last day of Passover is the second day of the festival in Israel (the second seder), often called Pesach Sheni or simply the concluding day.
- In the diaspora, many observe an eighth day, with the holiday concluding after nightfall on the second day following the first seder, which makes 2018 end on Tuesday, April 3.
Because Passover begins on the 15th day of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar, its Gregorian date shifts each year. In 2018, Nisan 15 began on the evening of April 1 and Nisan 22 ended after nightfall on April 3.
How Passover Timing Works
Passover commemorates the Exodus from Egypt and is anchored to the Hebrew calendar. The first two festival days begin after nightfall on the 15th of Nisan. Outside Israel, an additional holiday day is added, extending the conclusion of the festival.
Evening Boundaries Determine the Start and End
In Jewish law, a day runs from sunset to sunset. Because of this, Passover begins at sundown on Nisan 15 and ends at nightfall on Nisan 22 outside Israel. In Israel, where many follow a one-day conclusion for certain festival elements, the festival effectively ends at nightfall on the 21st of Nisan.
Diaspora vs. Israel: Why Dates Differ
Communities in the diaspora traditionally observe an extra day for most biblical festivals, including Passover. This means the celebration in 2018 closes on Tuesday evening, April 3, whereas in Israel the main observance ends on the evening of Monday, April 2.
2018 Passover Dates at a Glance
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Evening, April 1, 2018 | Passover begins (Nisan 15) | Start of the festival; first seder in many communities |
| Evening, April 2, 2018 | Second day (outside Israel) | Diaspora observe an additional holiday day |
| Nightfall, April 3, 2018 | Passover ends (Nisan 22) | Final day outside Israel; conclusion of the holiday |
| Nightfall, April 2, 2018 | Festival ends in Israel | Israeli communities typically mark the end on Nisan 21 |
Practical Steps for Knowing When Passover Ends in Any Year
- Find the dates of Nisan 15 and Nisan 22 in the Hebrew calendar for the target year.
- For diaspora locations, add one calendar day to determine the conclusion outside Israel.
- Check local calendars and community guidelines, because synagogues and families may align differently.
Passover in 2018: A Brief Overview
In 2018, the first night of Passover began on April 1 after nightfall. Many observed a traditional seder that evening. The holiday continued with special meals, the removal of chametz, and reflection on the story of the Exodus. For most traditions following the diaspora calendar, the last day of Passover was Tuesday, April 3, after nightfall.
Comparing Patterns Across Recent Years
The table below shows how Passover's conclusion shifts across a few recent years under the standard Hebrew calendar rules used by most communities. Actual dates in your location may vary by a day based on local customs and sighting of the new moon.
| Year | Passover Ends (Diaspora, Nightfall) | Passover Ends (Israel, Nightfall) | Primary Calendar Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | April 3 | April 2 | Hebcivil Hebrew calendar |
| 2020 | April 8 | April 7 | Hebcivil Hebrew calendar |
| 2022 | August 16 | August 15 | Hebcivil Hebrew calendar |
| 2023 | April 25 | April 25 | Hebcivil Hebrew calendar |
| 2025 | April 12 | April 12 | Hebcivil Hebrew calendar tr> |
Common Questions About When Passover Ends
- Does Passover end at sundown or nightfall? In Jewish law, the day ends at nightfall, which is typically defined as the appearance of three medium-sized stars in the sky. This is why seders and the final day are scheduled after nightfall.
- Why do some communities celebrate an extra day? Outside Israel, ancient communities could not be certain of the new moon, so they added a safeguard day. Many continue this tradition even with modern astronomy.
- Is the last day of Passover a workday or a holy day? The last day is a holy day with restrictions similar to other festival days, though some communities permit more activity than the first days.
Reliable Resources for Future Passover Dates
Because the Hebrew calendar is lunar-based and adjusted for seasonal drift, the Gregorian date of Passover changes annually. For dependable planning, consult established calendars from recognized authorities, your local synagogue, or trusted astronomical sources that compute Hebrew dates.
Summary
Passover ends when the Hebrew month of Nisan reaches its conclusion. In 2018, most traditions mark the end on the evening of Tuesday, April 3, while Israel typically observes the close on the evening of April 2. Understanding the Hebrew calendar and local customs helps you pinpoint the exact conclusion each year and plan accordingly with confidence.