Passover(פֶּסַח) in 🇺🇸 United States

Passover in the United States is one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays, with the Seder meal being the most commonly practiced Jewish ritual in America. An estimated 70 percent of American Jews attend or host a Seder, making it a defining experience of Jewish American identity.

American Seders range from traditional Orthodox observances that follow the Haggadah meticulously to creative, abbreviated, or themed Seders that reflect the diversity of American Jewish practice. Many families use different Haggadot each year, and progressive and feminist Haggadot have become popular. The tradition of adding an orange to the Seder plate as a symbol of inclusion has gained wide acceptance.

The American Passover table features traditional Ashkenazi dishes: matzo ball soup, gefilte fish, brisket, tzimmes, and flourless chocolate cake. Sephardic families serve rice (permitted under Sephardic law), lamb, and dishes with North African and Middle Eastern influences. The supermarket kosher-for-Passover section expands dramatically, and matzo sales peak as even non-observant Jews buy boxes for the holiday.

The themes of Passover, liberation from slavery and the pursuit of freedom, resonate deeply in American culture. Many Seders include discussions of contemporary social justice issues, and interfaith Seders bringing together Jewish and non-Jewish communities have become common. The White House has hosted a Seder since 2009, and the holiday has entered the broader American cultural vocabulary.

Major Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, observed with the Seder meal, unleavened bread (matzah), and the retelling of the Exodus story over seven or eight days.