Overview
Celebrating Passover in Jerusalem is an historic and religious experience, walking in the sacred steps of the Old City and visiting the religious shrines. Passover is a 7-8 day celebration beginning on the 15th day of the month of Nisan in the Jewish calendar – for those in the Northern Hemisphere that’s spring.

Passover is one of three Jewish festivals in which Jews make the historic pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem and one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays. Jerusalem continues to be at the center of celebrations for this Jewish festival of deliverance.

In Israel, the first and last days of Passover are observed as legal holidays and holy days for Jews. As holy days, Jews abstain from work; participate in special prayer services and meals.

Passover Meal
For the Jewish household, the Passover meal began and continues as an annual event commemorating the deliverance and Exodus of the children of Israel from slavery to the Egyptian Pharaoh around 1450 BC.

As a symbol of that Exodus, no leavened bread is eaten during Passover, also called “The Festival of the Unleavened Bread.” Fortunately for visitors, Jerusalem restaurants are accustomed to catering to the Jewish cooking restrictions so most are kosher. Do ask in advance if a Passover meal of a Seder plate with symbolic foods will be served.

The Western Wall
During Passover, the Western Wall (also known as the “Wailing Wall”) and its plaza are usually crowded with worshipers. The Western Wall is a holy remnant of the original temple. Crowds will be lined up for their opportunity to slip written prayers into the cracks of the large beige stones of the Western Wall. On Thursday of Passover, tens of thousands will flock to the Western Wall plaza to hear listen to the traditional Priestly blessing, offered by the priestly tribe descendants from the time of Solomon’s Temple almost 2,000 years ago.

If you have time, the nearby Western Wall tunnel is a treat for archaeology and history buffs. The massive open-air portion is over 180 feet long and 60 feet high, and the majority of its 1,700 foot original length now lies beneath the Old City.

The Holy City
Jerusalem is considered a holy site to the Jews, and it’s true that there’s history at every turn. Inside Jaffa Gate is the citadel of the Tower of David Museum. Follow the Old City from inside Zion Gate, facing the tomb of King David on Mount Zion. Inside Zion Gate is the Jewish Quarter, worthy of a stop at the Four Sephardic Synagogues. Walk a few more blocs to view the Second Temple-era excavations at the Burnt House and First Temple-era artifacts at the Ariel Center.

What: Celebrating Passover in Jerusalem
Where: Throughout Jerusalem
When: Sunset April 6, 2012 date sunset to nightfall April 13, 2012
URL: http://tour.jerusalem.muni.il/eng/

Recommended Hotel: Dan Jerusalem