B"H

Tuesday, Adar 21, 5786 / March 10, 2026

The holiday of Pesach (Passover) is in three weeks. The holiday begins Wednesday night, April 1, with the highlight of the Pesach Seder, when the entire family gets together to celebrate our holiday of freedom. Pesach we celebrate not only the freedom from the Egyptian bondage which took place over three thousand years ago, it reminds us that G-d protects us to this very day from all who want us gone. It is especially true these days with the war with Iran. We are a people whose existence is a miraculous one throughout the generations to this day.

Q.Are there any differences between the way Pesach is celebrated in Israel and in the Diaspora?

A. Yes. 1) Pesach in Israel is celebrated for seven days, while in the Diaspora the holiday is celebrated for eight days.

2) In Israel only one Seder is performed (Wednesday night). In the Diaspora, two Seders are celebrated (Wednesday night & Thursday night).

3) In Israel the first day and the seventh day of Pesach are days of rest in which work is not permitted. In the Diaspora the first two days and the last two days are days of rest in which work is prohibited.

Q. Why is there a difference between Israel and the Diaspora?

A. This goes back thousands of years to the days of the Temple. According to the Torah Pesach is a seven-day holiday. It begins on the 15th day of Nissan and ends on the 21st day of Nissan. From the time of the giving of the Torah, when G-d gave us the mitzvah of Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of each new month was determined by two witnesses who came to the High Court in Jerusalem and testified that they saw the re-appearance of the moon, which at the end of each month is not visible. If the High Court was satisfied with the accuracy of their testimony, they would declare that day the first day of the new month and proclaim that day Rosh Chodesh. Messengers were sent out throughout the Land of Israel to notify everyone when the first day of the month was. If that month was the month of Nissan, in which the 15th day of the month was Pesach, Jews all over Israel would know exactly when the 15th day is and when Pesach would begin.

However, Jews living outside of Israel, where the messengers couldn’t get there on time, didn’t know the exact day when Rosh Chodesh was and thus were in doubt which is the 15thday of the month and when Pesach begins. Thus, they kept an extra day holiday to be sure they were not violating the holiday laws and performed two Sedarim, just to be sure. We, today, do the same as they did. Those living in Israel, do one Seder and keep seven days holiday, while Jews living in the Diaspora celebrate two Sedarim and keep eight days holiday.

May we merit the coming of Mashiach and the rebuilding of the Holy Temple speedily in our days.   

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY, SUCCESSFUL & POSITIVE DAY