Passover Information Sheet 2026
The Jewish holiday of Passover centered on themes of liberation, justice and redemption arrives in April. Many students, staff and faculty within Columbia University celebrate Passover. Accordingly, below you will find relevant information and opportunities to participate.
Our diverse communities of Jewish students observe and celebrate this holiday in different ways. The two most popular aspects are participating in a festive gathering called a Seder, and refraining from eating bread products during the holiday. Some students will spend the holiday on campus, with minimal change to their daily routine. For more traditionally observant students, their day-to-day lifestyle is fundamentally altered for the duration of the holiday. Our purpose is to be respectful and inclusive of the variety of Jewish religious and spiritual practices during this important holiday.
Passover begins with the Seder on Wednesday, April 1st in the evening, and ends on Friday night, April 9th.
The essential breakdown of the Passover week is as follows:
- First Days of Passover: Wednesday evening, April 1st through Friday night, April 3rd
- Intermediate Days of Passover: Sat., April 4 until Tues. evening, April 7
- Second Days of Passover: Wednesday evening, April 8 through Thursday night April 9
Faculty and Administrators
- Many observant Jewish students are prohibited from attending class or doing coursework during these specific holidays; some religious traditions also preclude using electronics – phones, transportation and computers – during these times.
- If faculty need assistance or have questions about any students in their classes, they may reach out to the student’s Class Dean.
- For specific inquiries about the Jewish holidays, please reach out to the Office of Religious Life ([email protected])
Students
- Students seeking religious accommodations for their observation of the holidays should contact their professors as soon as possible.
- Students are responsible to make up their work and be prepared for the next session.
- For questions about the Jewish holidays and religious accommodations, students can always reach out to the Office of Religious Life ([email protected])
Jewish life at Barnard/Columbia offers many ways to celebrate the holiday. The festive meals, prayer services, community service opportunities, and other holiday-themed experiences are open to all students. Many of these offerings are housed in the Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life and at Chabad House.
We wish all who are observing a chag sameach, a happy Passover!