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Passover in Jerusalem 2017

March 25, 2014
Last Updated September 5, 2016

About Passover

Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, is the spring Jewish holiday, usually falling in April. It is one of two holidays in the Jewish calendar that is one week long (eight days in the diaspora), starting on the 15th of the month of Nissan.

Pesach 2016 begins the evening of Friday, April 22 and it ends after sundown on Friday, April 29. It is the celebration of the exodus from slavery in Egypt over 3,300 years ago. Jews clean their homes, removing leavened bread for the entire week and refrain from eating anything with leavened bread in it.

The end of Passover also marks the beginning of another holiday in Israel, the traditional North African celebration of Mimouna. Read all the way to the bottom to get a listing of Mimouna parties.

2017 Passover events will be updated soon

Things to do in Jerusalem over Passover

Passover is traditionally one of the three holidays on which Jews made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem during the periods of the First and Second Temples. Today Jerusalem is again a popular destination for Passover and the city welcomes its guests with an amazing array of activities and events.

Passover 2016 begins the evening of Friday, April 22 and ends a week later the night of April 29. Check back for a complete listing of the best Passover events in Jerusalem closer to the holiday.

Geek Picnic

Get a peak into the future of technology at Jerusalem’s first Geek Picnic at Gan Sacher (Sacher Park) during the intermediate days of Passover, April 25-27, 2016.

Geek Picnic is fun for the whole family with chances to see androids, robots, art and many other almost indescribable technological wonders and amazing inventions, as well as a BBQ festival with dozens of tents offering delicious eats, games and workshops.

Passover at Ammunition Hill

Special activities for the whole family along with the whole Ammunition Hill experience at special prices.

Passover at the Bloomfield Science Museum

It’s all about building at the Bloomfield Science Museum over Passover with exhibitions, activities, workshops and more fun for the whole family!

The Priestly Blessing (Birkat Kohanim)

This is something worth experiencing at least once. Provided you aren’t bothered by large crowds, join one of the tens of thousands of people who attend this event annually where hundreds of Jews of priestly heritage bless the congregation.

We recommend you arrive early to make sure you get into the plaza area. Bring sun protection, modest clothing, a bottle of water, some snacks and a camera. It will be almost impossible to get anywhere close to the Old City by car on the day of the Priestly Blessing, but you can park at the light rail station in Mount Herzl and take the train all the way to the entrance of the Old City.

When: April 25, 2016 at 8:45 am
Where: The Western Wall, Jerusalem
Cost: Free

Seder night in Jerusalem

The seder night, one of the most popular long-standing Jewish traditions, is a very unique experience. It is a meal and yet so much more than that, including a long evening of story-telling, through a book called a Hagaddah which takes participants through 10 steps, each one with its own rituals. Most locals celebrate the seder in their homes, but there are some great options for communal and hotel seders.

There is one seder night in Israel though many tourists perform a second seder on the second night of Passover.

There are typically a number of communal seders around the city organized by local organizations that are open to anybody who wants to join.

When: April 22, 2016
Where: Around Jerusalem

Spring Municipal Tour

The Visitor Center of Jerusalem municipality invites you to a guided tour of the City Hall complex in Safra Square. The visit includes a tour of the historical municipal buildings, the city council hall, the model of old and new Jerusalem and an observation point offering a breathtaking view of Jerusalem’s neighborhoods.

When: April 25-27, 2016, 1:00 pm
Where: Safra Square next to the sign “City Hall tours meeting point”.
Contact: 02-6295363

3D Sidewalk Art in the City Center

Check out the 3D street art of international and Israeli artists on sidewalks around downtown Jerusalem.

When: April 24-29, 2016
Where: Around downtown Jerusalem
Info: http://haira.co.il/en/events/3-d-street-art/

The Bible Lands Museum Presents “Pharaoh Frenzy”

Unearth the deepest secrets of the Pharaohs as the BLMJ revives Ancient Egypt with mummies, pyramids and lots of mysteries. Free entrance to for the whole family and special tours in the spirit of Passover for the adults, including one of your last chances to see the “By the Rivers of Babylon” exhibit.

When: April 24-27, 2016 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: The Bible Lands Museum, 21 Shmuel Stephan Weiz Street, Museum Row, Jerusalem
Cost: Free
Contact: 072-3281846

Passover at the Israel Museum: Pharaohs in Canaan

This special exhibition will recreate the times that the Pharaohs of Egypt ruled the Land of Israel (then called Canaan). Kids will get special audio guides and brochures and can participate in a workshop to learn how to write their names in ancient Egyptian. Entrance and participation is free for children.

When: April 23-30, 2016
Where: The Israel Museum, 11 Derech Ruppin, Jerusalem
Contact: 072-3290791

Ice Skating at Cinema City

It may be spring, but that doesn’t mean there’s no time left for ice skating.

Passover at the First Station

Head to the First Station to see what’s coming out of Jerusalem’s design scene and experience live shows and craft fairs.

Check out the full schedule >>

When: April 24-28, 2016
Where: The First Station, 4 David Remez Street, Jerusalem
Cost: Free

Spring Festival at Ein Yael Active Museum

The Spring Festival at Ein Yael Active Museum features dozens of special workshops and activities (conducted in Hebrew) for the whole family.

Where: Ein Yael Active Museum, Ein Yael, Jerusalem
When: April 17-21, 2016
Cost: 25 NIS (adults)-35 NIS (children)
Contact: 072-328-1210; office@einyael.co.il

Mimouna at the Abraham Hostel

Mimouna is the traditional North African celebration that marks the end of Passover typically marked with music and tasty, not-kosher-for-passover treats. Join fellow travelers for this unique experience.

Where: Abraham Hostel, 67 Hanevi’im Street, Jerusalem
When: April 30, 2016 at 8:00 pm
Cost: Free

Museums with free admission

Every year, Bank Hapoalim sponsors free admission to a number of museums in Jerusalem and throughout the country.

Things to Do Near Jerusalem over Passover

If there’s not enough for you in Jerusalem or you just feel the need to get out of the hustle and bustle of town, head out to some of the nearby special events and attractions nearby.

Kifzuba Amusement Park

Rides, activities, games and more — Kiftzuba is the perfect place for a Passover family outing.

Looking for a great meal?

The following restaurants will be kosher this Passover:

Village Green vegetarian branch
Village Green vegen branch
Alma Caffe
Cafit Mamilla
Josef Burger Bar
HaKetzavim
Meat and Eat
Medita
Hatzot Steak House
Polly
Sofia
Pichonka
Landwer Cafe – Cinema City branch
Greg Cafe – Cinema City Branch
Rodriguez

And a few recommended non-kosher restaurants:
Barood
Brasserie
Mantra

Wishing you an enjoy stay in Jerusalem and a happy Passover!