Seder, matzah and the Passover calendar

Passover begins at the onset of 15 Nisan in the Jewish calendar. The first seder is held in the evening at the start of the festival, after sunset. In the diaspora, a second seder takes place the following evening. 1

Why the Gregorian date changes

15 Nisan is a fixed date in the Jewish calendar, but Passover falls on different dates in March or April in the Gregorian calendar. 1

How long the festival lasts

Passover lasts seven days in Israel and eight in the diaspora. In the diaspora, seders are held on the first two evenings; in Israel, on the first evening. 1

Matzah and chametz

The prohibition on chametz is observed during Passover. Matzah is made from flour and water without allowing the dough to rise. In Jewish tradition, it recalls the Exodus from Egypt and the haste with which, according to the biblical account, the people left the country. 1 2