Pesach across the Jewish world: a journey through traditions in Israel and beyond

As spring blossoms and families gather around the Seder table, Jewish communities across Israel and the globe prepare to celebrate one of the most meaningful and widely observed holidays in Judaism: Pesach, known as Passover.

More than a retelling of an ancient story: Pesach is a living tradition, an intergenerational celebration of freedom, resilience, and identity. And just as Jewish communities differ in language, food, and culture, so too do their ways of observing this sacred time.

The history of Pesach: from slavery to freedom

Pesach has its origins in one of the most foundational narratives of the Jewish people: the Exodus.

According to the Book of Exodus (Sefer Shemot) in the Hebrew Bible, the Israelites were enslaved in ancient Egypt for generations. Under the leadership of Moses, they pleaded for freedom, but Pharaoh repeatedly refused to let them go. In response, God sent ten plagues upon Egypt, culminating in the death of the firstborn sons.

On the night of the tenth plague, the Israelites were instructed to mark their doorposts with lamb’s blood so that the angel of death would pass over their homes - hence the name Passover. That night, they hurriedly left Egypt with unleavened dough that had no time to rise, giving birth to the tradition of matzah.

The Exodus marked the beginning of the Israelites’ journey toward nationhood and freedom. Pesach became a yearly commemoration of that miraculous escape, symbolizing the transition from slavery to liberation, both physically and spiritually.

Since then, for over three millennia, Jews have retold this story every spring, passing it down from generation to generation through the Seder: a ritual meal rich with symbolism and storytelling.

Israel: a tapestry of traditions

In Israel, Pesach is a national holiday: school’s out, supermarkets fill with kosher-for-Pesach products, and public life shifts into festive mode. But step into any home, and you’ll find a mosaic of rituals and cuisines, shaped by the community’s origins.

Ashkenazi Jews

Originating from Eastern Europe, Ashkenazi Jews refrain from eating kitniyot (legumes, rice, corn, etc.), believing they resemble grains that can rise. Their Seder tables often include:

• Gefilte fish

• Kneidlach (matzah balls)

• Horseradish as maror (bitter herb)

Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews

For Jews from Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East, the rules and flavors differ:

• Kitniyot is allowed, making dishes like rice and lentil stews central.

• Moroccan Jews celebrate Mimouna, a joyous post-Pesach festival with sweets and open homes.

• Iraqi Jews may prepare kubbeh (semolina dumplings) and charoset with date syrup, walnuts, and spices.

• Yemenite Jews might include hilbeh (fenugreek paste) and eat matzah dipped in honey.

Ethiopian Jews (Beta Israel)

Pesach holds profound significance, resembling the community’s own historic exodus to Israel. Traditionally, they bake their own unleavened bread (often thicker than matzah) and hold a unique Seder-like meal focusing on freedom and family, sometimes aligning it with Fasika, the Ethiopian Christian Easter.

Diaspora: keeping the flame alive

Outside of Israel, Jewish communities adapt Pesach to their local realities while keeping traditions alive.

United States and Canada

Ashkenazi traditions dominate, but multicultural Seders - often themed around civil rights or social justice - are growing. Many communities host interfaith Seders, welcoming non-Jewish guests.

France and North Africa

French Jews of North African descent often serve dishes like lamb with artichokes, matboucha, and charoset rich in dates and cinnamon. In Algeria and Tunisia, seder songs are sung in Judeo-Arabic.

Iranian Jews

Persian Jews, both in Iran and in the global diaspora, mark Pesach with a Seder full of symbolism and spice: green herbs for spring, and a unique take on charoset called halegh, made with nuts, apples, dates, and wine.

Indian Jews (Bene Israel & Cochin)

In India, the Bene Israel prepare coconut and almond-based sweets, and use local herbs and flavors in place of more traditional Ashkenazi staples. The Cochin Jews often blend Indian spices with Jewish ritual, creating a singular Seder experience.

A shared story, a world of voices

No matter where it’s celebrated, Pesach remains a collective celebration of liberation and memory, with every community adding a chapter to the ancient story. In Israel, the diversity of Jewish backgrounds - from Ethiopian to Argentine, Russian to Moroccan - means that every Pesach is a multicultural experience.