Last days of Passover

The seventh and eighth days of Passover are celebrated as Yom Tov, holidays, capping the weeklong celebration that begins with the first Seder. In Israel, only the seventh day is celebrated. In Hebrew, the last two days are known as Shvii shel Pesach (Seventh of Passover) and Acharon shel Pesach (Last of Passover), respectively. 

The final days of Passover 2026 begin before sunset on April 7 and end after nightfall on April 9. Candles are lit (after night has fallen) from a pre-existing flame.

The seventh and eighth days of Passover are full holidays. Like other holidays, we do no work, other than certain acts connected to food preparation; we recite holiday prayers, and women and girls light candles on the eve of both days. But there are also special practices for the last days of Passover:

Seventh Day of Passover

• Many people have the custom to remain awake the entire night preceding the seventh day of Passover, studying Torah as a way of thanking G‑d for the miraculous salvation at the sea which occurred on this night. During the morning services of the seventh day, the Torah reading includes the biblical narrative of the miracle. Learn more on the Splitting of the Sea here.

Eighth Day of Passover

• Many people have the custom to make sure that the matzah does not come in contact with moisture, lest some leftover flour become leavened. On the eighth day of Passover, this restriction is relaxed, and matzah can be mixed with water and other liquids to create Passover favorites like matzah balls and matzah brei. 

• During the morning services of the eighth day, Yizkor memorial prayers are recited for departed relatives.

• Futuristic dining. The Baal Shem Tov remarked that on the last day of Passover, the rays of the messianic redemption are already shining bright. He instituted that a special meal be held during the waning hours of the day. Rabbi Shalom Dov Ber of Lubavitch added four cups of wine to the meal, mirroring the Seders held on the first nights of the holiday. (In Israel, this meal and Yizkor are observed on day seven). Read more about Moshiach’s meal here: chabad.org/3965990 

  
  

  

For more information about the last days of Passover, please visit : www.chabad.org/2565782 

Chag Sameach!