Passover vs. Easter

Passover and Easter: Two Spring Holidays, One Fascinating Story

By Tami Lancut Leibovitz | Master of Manners

Every spring, as tables are set and traditions come alive, two major holidays take center stage: Passover and Easter. At first glance, they seem worlds apart. One tells the story of the Exodus from Egypt; the other marks the Resurrection of Jesus. Yet beneath the surface, these two holidays are deeply intertwined—historically, symbolically, and culturally.

To understand Easter properly, one must begin with Passover. In fact, the word Pascha, still used in many languages, comes directly from the Hebrew Pesach. According to Christian tradition, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection all took place during the period of the Jewish Passover. Many scholars and traditions identify the Last Supper itself as a Passover meal, which is why bread and wine later became such central symbols in Christian ritual.

And yet, the essential message of each holiday is different. Passover is rooted in a collective story of liberation: a people leaving slavery behind and walking toward freedom. Easter, by contrast, centers on a spiritual journey—triumph over death, redemption, and renewal of the soul. One is national and historical; the other is deeply personal and theological.

The two holidays do not always fall on the same dates, and that, too, has a long history. Early Christians once celebrated Easter alongside Passover. But in 325 CE, at the Council of Nicaea, the Church established a separate calculation for Easter in order to shape a distinct Christian identity. Since then, Easter has been observed on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. Even today, differences remain between Western and Eastern Christianity, since Catholics and Protestants follow the Gregorian calendar, while many Orthodox communities still calculate according to the Julian calendar.

The contrasts continue at the holiday table. Easter Sunday is often associated with abundance, but the customs that come before it are shaped by restraint, preparation, and denominational differences. One striking example is bread itself. In Catholic tradition, the Eucharistic host is unleavened, echoing the Passover matzah and the memory of the Last Supper. In Orthodox Christianity, however, leavened bread is essential, because it symbolizes life and resurrection. On Good Friday, many Catholics avoid meat altogether, choosing fish instead as an act of mourning and humility. In observant Orthodox communities, fasting rules may continue until midnight before Easter Sunday, meaning that even dairy, eggs, and other animal products remain off the table until the Resurrection is celebrated.

The holiday is also marked by powerful ceremonial moments. In Jerusalem, the Orthodox Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre draws global attention each year, blending faith, ritual, and striking public symbolism. In Rome, Easter morning reaches its ceremonial peak with the Pope’s Urbi et Orbi blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica—a message delivered to the city and to the world, often in multiple languages, reflecting the universal nature of the occasion.

Then there are the customs most familiar to the wider public: decorated eggs, Easter rabbits, chocolate baskets, and egg hunts in spring gardens. The egg has long symbolized new life, and in Christian tradition it came to represent the sealed tomb and the miracle of Resurrection. The Easter Bunny, cheerful and child-friendly, turned spring fertility into a festive icon. Together, these customs gave Easter much of its warm, colorful, family-oriented atmosphere.

And what if you are invited to an Easter meal, abroad or here in Israel? The answer, as always, begins with respect. Bring a thoughtful gift: fine chocolates, a good bottle of wine, or fresh spring flowers are all graceful choices. Dress for the mood of the holiday—light, festive, optimistic. Pastel tones work beautifully. If church is part of the occasion, modest attire is the safest and most respectful option. At the table, sensitivity matters. If you keep kosher or have dietary restrictions, let your hosts know in advance and gently. And when words are needed, a simple, warm “Happy Easter” is entirely appropriate.

What makes Passover and Easter so compelling is not only their differences, but also their shared emotional vocabulary. Both speak of hope. Both are rooted in renewal. Both ask human beings to remember, to believe, and to begin again.

Whether you are setting a Seder plate or admiring a basket of painted eggs, spring reminds us of the same elegant truth: traditions may differ, but respect is always universal.

Wishing everyone a happy spring holiday—celebrated with respect, warmth, and timeless elegance.

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