Passover and Easter fall in the same part of the year and are linked in history. Jesus was a Jew, and the Gospels place the last supper in Passover week. But the two festivals are not the same, and neither is a version of the other. Each tells its own story in its own words.
Passover (Pesach), in Jewish words
Passover remembers the Exodus from Egypt. The Torah says the day is kept for ever:
And this day shall be unto you for a memorial, and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD; throughout your generations ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.
Exodus 12:14 · JPS 1917
Parents are commanded to tell the story:
And thou shalt tell thy son in that day, saying: It is because of that which the LORD did for me when I came forth out of Egypt.
Exodus 13:8 · JPS 1917
For one week (eight days outside Israel in most communities) Jews eat matzah, the flat unleavened bread, and put away leaven from their homes (Exodus 12:15). On the first night, and in many homes the second as well, families hold the Seder. The word means "order". They read the story from the Haggadah, drink four cups of wine or grape juice, taste bitter herbs and sweet charoset, and sing. A child asks the questions, and the answer is the story.
Easter, in Christian words
Easter is the heart of the Christian year. Christians believe Jesus died on the cross on Good Friday and was raised on the third day. The Gospel of Luke has the angels ask the women at the tomb:
Why do you seek the living amongst the dead? He isn't here, but is risen.
Luke 24:5-6 · WEB (British Edition)
The Church of England describes Holy Week as following "Christ's journey from his triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to the empty tomb on Easter morning." Maundy Thursday remembers the last supper and Jesus washing his disciples' feet. On Good Friday churches are bare and quiet, and in many there is a service of the cross. Holy Saturday is a day of waiting. On Easter morning the greeting is "Christ is risen!", with the reply "He is risen indeed!"
Orthodox Christians call Easter Pascha, from the Hebrew Pesach. The service is near midnight: the church is dark, one candle is lit and the flame is passed from hand to hand until everyone holds light. After the long Lenten fast, the community eats together in the small hours. Orthodox Easter often falls on a different Sunday from Western Easter, because the Orthodox Church counts by the older Julian calendar. See This month across faiths for why.
The story told to the next generation
And thou shalt tell thy son in that day, saying: It is because of that which the LORD did for me when I came forth out of Egypt.
Exodus 13:8 · JPS 1917He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me."
Luke 22:19 · WEBAnd (remember) when We did deliver you from Pharaoh's folk, who were afflicting you with dreadful torment
Qur'an 2:49 · PickthallMuslim neighbours
The Qur'an names Moses (peace be upon him) more often than any other prophet, and tells of the deliverance from Pharaoh (2:49, above). Muslims also honour Jesus (peace be upon him) as a great prophet and messenger, born of the Virgin Mary (peace be upon her). On Easter they differ from Christians on one central point, and it is best to say so kindly.
Honest differences
- Christians believe Jesus was crucified and rose again on the third day. The Qur'an says: "they slew him not nor crucified him, but it appeared so unto them" (4:157, Pickthall), and "Allah took him up unto Himself" (4:158, Pickthall). Muslims honour Jesus without holding the Christian account of the cross.
- Passover is a story of rescue and nationhood told within the Jewish people. Easter is Christian faith in the resurrection. One is not the "Old Testament version" of the other. Jews speak of the Hebrew Bible, not an "Old" one.
What a neighbour sees
At Passover: Cleaning, and shelves of "kosher for Passover" food. Matzah in the supermarket. A lit window on the first evening. Some synagogues have services on the first two and last two days.
At Easter: Palm crosses, a quiet Good Friday, church bells and a bank holiday weekend, chocolate eggs, and a sunrise service on Easter morning. Orthodox churches are full at midnight.
What to say
| Say | To whom | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Chag sameach or Happy Passover | Jewish neighbours | "Happy festival" |
| Chag Pesach kasher v'sameach | Jewish neighbours, more formally | "A kosher and happy Passover" |
| Happy Easter | Christian neighbours | A warm, ordinary greeting |
| Christ is risen! (reply: "He is risen indeed!") | Anglican and other Western Christians | |
| Christ is risen! (reply: "Indeed He is risen!") | Orthodox Christians, who also say it in their own languages |
What to say and bring
- Passover guest. Ask the host what to bring. Flowers are always welcome. Do not bring bread, cake or biscuits unless they are labelled kosher for Passover. Ask about wine.
- Arrive on time. Hosts rarely start until everyone is there. Expect a long evening and eat beforehand. Wear something comfortable.
- You will be asked to read a part or taste a bitter herb. Join in as far as you feel comfortable.
- Easter. A card, a hot cross bun or a bunch of spring flowers is welcome. Chocolate eggs are for children, not a religious symbol for everyone.
- Church services are open to all. A quiet visit on Good Friday or at a midnight service is a respectful way to learn.
- Leave debates about Jesus or the crucifixion for another day. A neighbour's table is not the place.
At work and school
- Passover. Some Jewish colleagues cannot work on the first two and last two days of the festival (in 2027 this is 22 and 23 April, and 28 and 29 April, from the evening before). Festivals begin at sunset, so some need to leave early the day before. Work is permitted on the days in between. (Civil Service guide to Judaism.) Do not plan an away day on the first night.
- Catering. Many observant Jews do not eat bread, pasta, biscuits or cake for the week. Offer fruit, vegetables, eggs and "kosher for Passover" food, or ask.
- Easter. Good Friday and Easter Monday are bank holidays in the UK, and school holidays run around them. Some Christian colleagues need Maundy Thursday evening or the Easter Vigil off. Orthodox colleagues may keep Easter a week or more later than the rest of the office.
- Fasting. Lent is kept in many forms. Do not assume. A colleague who has "given up" something may be glad of a different cake.
In 2027, Passover begins at nightfall on 21 April (Hebcal). Western Easter Day is 28 March 2027 and Orthodox Easter is 2 May (see our calendar). Check dates in a later year, because they move.
Further reading: Jewish festivals · The Christian year · How we pray.
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