DMV Passover Guide 2026 / 5786

Updated 10:36 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1st

Dear DMV friends,

Welcome to GatherDC’s DMV Passover Guide for 2026 / 5786! This guide is here to connect you with everything you need to fill your table (literally and metaphorically!) in the DMV this Passover. From now through the end of the holiday, we’ll be updating this page with all the seders, classes, services, gatherings, haggadot, recipes, local Passover menus, Hametz-selling, Mimouna celebrations, and other resources we can find!

If you notice this guide is missing any local Passover experiences and resources that would be a great fit for our community of 20s and 30s, please submit them to our online calendar or email us, and we’ll make sure to share. If you want to stay in-the-loop with breakdowns of each upcoming week for all things Jewish DMV, plus Rabbi Amalia’s upcoming Passover message, subscribe to our weekly Wednesday newsletter.

Chag Pesach Sameach! Wishing you a happy and healthy Passover!

The GatherDC Team

  • Home Hosted Seder with New Synagogue Project
    • Fill out forms to host or attend by March 18th
  • Nourishing Seders with OneTable
    • Apply to become a host by March 23rd
    • “OneTable is Nourishing Seders on April 1 + 2 and Passover Shabbat on April 3! OneTable hosts can receive Nourishment ($10/person, up to $100 per dinner) for one Seder (first or second night — your choice) and for Passover Shabbat. It’s as easy as 1-2-3!”
  • Pesach Host or Guest with Tifereth Israel Congregation
    • “Please fill out this form by Friday, March 27 at 7:00 pm to give hosts enough time to plan to welcome their guests.”
  • Seder Matching with Sixth & I
    • “Would you like to host fellow Sixth & Iers for a Passover Seder or are you interested in attending a seder hosted by a fellow Sixth & Ier? Please fill out this form and we will contact you with more details!”
  • Table of Togetherness: Passover 2026 with Temple Rodef Shalom
    • Register by March 30th
    • “For those willing and able to host, please let us know if you have a seat(s) at your Seder table for the first or second night of the holiday for a TRS congregant(s). For those seeking a Seder and a warm community, please let us know how many seats you need and your preference for the first or second night of Passover.”

Sunday, March 8th

  • 2:00 p.m. — Why is this Night Different? A Women’s Seder with Temple Rodef Shalom
    • “Please join with us as we revitalize our personal connections with Jewish history as we retell the Passover story; paying tribute to those women whose footsteps we walk in- the heroines of the Exodus story, our mothers, grandmothers and all the women who led the way, breaking glass ceilings and creating new opportunities for future generations.”

Monday, March 9th

  • 6:45 p.m. — The Foods of Freedom with Washington Hebrew Congregation
    • “In these four weeks leading up to Passover, our course will explore the spiritual origins of the foods that have symbolized Jewish freedom for millennia: matzah, charoset, maror, and wine. We will learn together, cook together, and eat together too.”

Thursday, March 12th

  • 7:00 p.m. — How to Host Your Own Seder with the Den Collective
    • “A Seder is the ritual meal that marks the start of Passover (Pesach), where we retell the Exodus story, share symbolic foods, and make the journey from slavery to freedom together around the table. If you’ve ever wanted to host a Seder but felt overwhelmed by where to begin, this gathering is for you. Join us for a relaxed, hands-on evening where we’ll demystify the art of hosting Passover!”

Sunday, March 15th

Monday, March 16th

Wednesday, March 18th

Thursday, March 19th

Sunday, March 22nd

  • 9:30 a.m. — Judaica Gift Shop Sale with Temple Micah
  • 10:00 a.m. — Passover Seder Workshop with B’nai Israel Congregation
    • “Prepare to lead or participate more meaningfully in your Passover Seder with this engaging, hands-on workshop. We’ll explore the structure of the Haggadah, uncover key themes and rituals, and share practical tips for creating a Seder that is engaging, accessible, and spiritually resonant for guests of all ages.”
  • 3:30 p.m. — Labor Seder with Jews United for Justice
    • “Each spring, the JUFJ community comes together to retell the story of Passover and take action on issues in our region. Passover reminds us that our generation, like all generations, has an urgent responsibility to work toward collective liberation right now.”
  • 7:00 p.m. — The Art of Passover with Jewish Art Education
    • “THE ART OF PASSOVER tells the story of this holiday using art objects as visual resources for learning and understanding. Enjoy the powerful art included in the slideshow as well as the in-depth narration.”

Monday, March 23rd

  • 6:45 p.m. — The Foods of Freedom with Washington Hebrew Congregation
    • “In these four weeks leading up to Passover, our course will explore the spiritual origins of the foods that have symbolized Jewish freedom for millennia: matzah, charoset, maror, and wine. We will learn together, cook together, and eat together too.”
  • 7:00 p.m. — Stories of Liberation and Freedom: Then and Now with the Den Collective
    • “The Passover story begins in Egypt and moves through plagues, courage, and ultimately, the journey to freedom. Jewish tradition has been telling and retelling this story for thousands of years, and each generation adds new layers.”
  • 7:30 p.m. — Why Does God Hate Yeast? with Haberman Institute for Jewish Studies
    • “This session in our new series will explore…the prohibition against consuming foods and drinks produced through leavening. While these consumables are most often associated with bread products, they also include items such as beer. The common element is yeast, something humans tend to enjoy and appreciate, but which, in the biblical narrative, is viewed quite differently.”

Thursday, March 26th

  • 6:30 p.m. — Nights at the Seder Table with the Capital Jewish Museum
    • “Join CJM and this year’s collection of inspiring partners at our third annual untraditional Passover seder. Read from our community Haggadah, clink glasses over stories old and new, connect over charoset and horseradish, and find inspiration around the table.”

Friday, March 27th

  • 6:30 p.m. — Freedom Seder with Hill Havurah
    • “The 2025 adult b’mitzvah cohort have developed a Freedom Seder that reflects the economic, environmental and political environment we currently face in DC. We are inviting members from Hill Havurah as well as a number of multi-faith congregations to come together and debate, act and celebrate in the fight for equality and broader justice.”
  • 6:30 p.m. — Rising Song and Pre-Pesach Shabbat Dinner with Tifereth Israel Congregation
    • Register by 9:00 a.m. on March 23rd
    • “Don’t know what to eat on the Friday night before Passover? Enjoy Rising Song Kabbalat Shabbat services and a chametzy Kosher-for-before-Passover Shabbat dinner.”
  • 7:00 p.m. — Pre-Passover Friday Night Services with Rabbi Aaron with Sixth & I
    • Virtual attendance available
    • “This inclusive service led by Rabbi Aaron and Sixth & I’s musicians blends contemporary and traditional elements for an experience that feels both familiar and fresh.”

Saturday, March 28th

  • 1:00 p.m. — Passover Q & A with Adas Israel Congregation
    • “Join Rabbi Holtzblatt for a taste of the Torah of the Haggadah and to ask all your burning Passover Questions. Learn a short teaching you can bring to your Seder and share with family and friends. Then we will open it up to questions you have about Passover.”

Sunday, March 29th

Monday, March 30th

  • 6:45 p.m. — The Foods of Freedom with Washington Hebrew Congregation
    • “In these four weeks leading up to Passover, our course will explore the spiritual origins of the foods that have symbolized Jewish freedom for millennia: matzah, charoset, maror, and wine. We will learn together, cook together, and eat together too.”

Wednesday, April 1st

  • 5:00 p.m. — Family Passover Seder with Adas Israel Congregation
    • “Join us at Adas Israel for a joyful and festive family seder filled with delicious food, lively traditions, and meaningful moments together. Designed especially for families with children 10 and under, this engaging and interactive experience will bring the story of Passover to life in ways kids (and grown-ups!) will love.”
  • 5:30 p.m. — Community Passover Seder with Washington Hebrew Congregation and 2239
    • “Through storytelling, song, and the symbolic foods of the Seder plate, we’ll honor the journey from bondage to freedom while reflecting on its enduring relevance today. Let’s unite as a community to connect, learn, and rejoice in the spirit of togetherness.”
  • 6:00 p.m. — Kaleidoscope Seder with New Synagogue Project
    • “NSP’s Kaleidoscope is hosting a seder on the first night of Passover. This seder is designed for those who are directly impacted by racism, colonization, and/or Ashkenazi dominance and their loved ones.”
  • 6:00 p.m. — Queerspace Seder with New Synagogue Project
    • “We’re excited to host an outdoor Queerspace seder. If you identify as queer in the NSP community, this seder is for you!”
  • 6:30 p.m. — Community Passover Seder with Adas Israel Congregation
    • “Join us for our annual, festive community Passover seder at Adas Israel with delicious food, thought provoking discussion, and joyful song.”
  • 7:00 p.m. — Passover Seder with Sixth & I
    • “Whether you’ve been to dozens of seders or have never been to one before, you’ll find a way to connect to the holiday in a way that feels authentic to you at this community seder.”
  • 7:30 p.m. — First Seder with Chabad East DC
    • “Where tradition meets inspiration through readings in both English and Hebrew, complemented with a delicious, catered dinner, hand-baked Shmurah Matzah, fine wines, and the warmth of a family-like gathering.”
  • 7:30 p.m. — Passover Seder with Chabad Washington DC
    • “Whether you’re a seasoned Seder pro or it’s your very first one, you’ll feel right at home as we bring the story of the Exodus to life with tradition, warmth, great company!”
  • 8:00 p.m. — First Night Seder with Chabad of Potomac
    • “Join a warm, educational and inclusive Passover family Seder with Chabad. Readings in English and Hebrew. Insightful and contemporary explanations throughout. Great food!”

Thursday, April 2nd

  • 5:00 p.m. — Community Seder with Hill Havurah
    • “Our annual Community Seder will be…[c]o-led by Student Rabbi Lev and Michael Allen, we’ll follow the Haggadah, weaving together tradition, discussion, song, and a delicious meal.”
  • 5:00 p.m. — Second Night Passover Seder with Am Kolel
    • “Join us for a warm, welcoming Second Night Seder that blends tradition, conversation, and community.”
  • 5:30 p.m. — Second Night Seder with Temple Rodef Shalom
    • Register by 12:00 p.m. on March 20th
    • “Our Second Night Seder is a family-friendly, lively, and captivating affair! We’ll retell the miracle of our liberation from Egypt through story, song and dance while exploring the meaning of the Exodus story in our own time.”
  • 6:00 p.m. — Community Seder and Potluck with New Synagogue Project
    • “NSP is hosting a community seder and potluck on the second night of Passover and all are welcome to join. This will be a joyous, participatory seder using an original text promoting anti-racism and justice for all ages. The seder will include a vegetarian potluck, and we encourage everyone to bring an item that represents freedom to them.”
  • 6:00 p.m. — Kabbalistic Second Night Seder with Jewish Study Center
    • “Join the Jewish Study Center, Fabrangen Huvurah and the Contemporary Kabbalah Institute to learn and experience a spiritual approach to Passover and observing the Seder. This second night seder will be a traditional seder with kabbalistic interpretations and live music.”
  • 6:00 p.m. — Second Night Passover Seder with Kol Ami
    • “Join us for an evening of connection, tradition, laughter, and joy as we retell the story of the Exodus and explore its enduring messages for our own time.”
  • 6:30 p.m. — Annual Second Night Seder: Telling Our Stories with the EDCJCC
    • Register by March 23rd
    • “Join the EDCJCC for a warm communal Seder celebrating the diversity of Passover traditions. In addition to covering the major components of the seder, we will sing, explore the art of storytelling, and share our own Passover stories.”
  • 6:30 p.m. — Second Night Congregational Seder with B’nai Israel Congregation
    • Register by 12:00 p.m. on March 27th
    • “Celebrate our freedom with your B’nai Israel family at this congregational seder, led by Cantor Josh Perlman and his brother Hazzan Emanuel Perlman. A traditional, lively, and song-filled seder will include a delicious meal and the greatest humor of the Cantors Perlman.”
  • 7:00 p.m. — Congregational Second Night Seder with Congregation Beth El
    • Register by 3:00 p.m. on March 19th
    • “The Congregational Second Night Seder, conducted by Rabbi Harris, will be held on Thursday, April 2, at 7:00 pm in the Bender Social Hall, following the 6:30 pm Festival Evening Service.”
  • 7:30 p.m. — Second Seder with Chabad East DC
    • “Where tradition meets inspiration through readings in both English and Hebrew, complemented with a delicious, catered dinner, hand-baked Shmurah Matzah, fine wines, and the warmth of a family-like gathering.”
  • 7:30 p.m. — Passover Seder with Chabad Washington DC
    • “Whether you’re a seasoned Seder pro or it’s your very first one, you’ll feel right at home as we bring the story of the Exodus to life with tradition, warmth, great company!”
  • 8:00 p.m. — Second Night Seder with Chabad of Potomac
    • “Join a warm, educational and inclusive Passover family Seder with Chabad. Readings in English and Hebrew. Insightful and contemporary explanations throughout. Great food!”

Wednesday, April 1st

Thursday, April 2nd

Friday, April 3rd

Saturday, April 4th

  • 1:00 p.m. — Passover Exodus Walk with Adas Israel Congregation
    • “Join Adas Israel’s Young Professionals on Saturday, April 4th for a “Passover Exodus Walk” in Rock Creek Park.”
  • 6:00 p.m. — Chocolate Seder with Rodef 2100
    • “Experience Passover in a whole new way with a Chocolate Seder—a fun, interactive, and delicious twist on tradition! This event takes the themes of the traditional Passover Seder and infuses them with all things chocolate.”

Sunday, April 5th

  • 1:00 p.m. — Macaroons and Mimosas Pre-Show Reception with EntryPointDC
    • “Join other young professionals in their 20s, 30s, and early 40s for an EntryPointDC pre-show reception featuring everyone’s favorite Passover dessert! We’ll taste test macaroons and other Passover snacks, sip on mimosas and some Dr. Brown’s, and then watch the final matinee performance of Eureka Day together.”
  • 1:30 p.m. — Adult Easter Egg or Afikomen Scavenger Hunt with Stacy’s Social Circles
    • “Together, your team will explore DC, solving riddles, completing fun challenges, and participating in curated icebreakers that help you get to know each other along the way. Expect group photo challenges, creative tasks, and surprises throughout the hunt.”
  • 3:00 p.m. — Passover: Freedom + Responsibility with the Den Collective
    • “Join us this Passover as we reflect on the moral weight of liberation. Once a people steps into freedom and self determination, what responsibilities arise? To protect the vulnerable, to use power with care, and to ensure that our own freedom does not come at the cost of another’s?”

Monday, April 6th

Tuesday, April 7th

Wednesday, April 8th

Thursday, April 9th

  • 9:00 a.m. — Pesach Services with Tifereth Israel Congregation
    • Virtual attendance available
    • “Join the congregation to celebrate Pesach with our beautiful traditional egalitarian services, led by Rabbi Michael Werbow, along with expert lay leaders.”
  • 11:00 a.m. — Yizkor with Adas Israel Congregation
    • Virtual attendance available
    • “Yizkor in Hebrew, means ‘Remember.’ When we recite Yizkor, we renew and strengthen the connection between us and our loved one, bringing merit to the departed souls.”
  • 7:00 p.m. — Mimouna with Moishe House Arlington
    • “Join us in celebrating and learning more about this Sephardic post-passover celebration. We’ll have dinner and discussion about the holiday’s meaning and traditions.”
  • 7:30 p.m. — Farewell Matzah! A Mimouna Celebration with Abrahamic House
    • “Come gather with us to celebrate, learn more about Mimouna, and feast on an array of yeast-filled treats.”

Saturday, April 11th

  • 12:00 p.m. — Battle of the Bagels: Post-Passover Edition with Sixth & I
    • “Tired of matzah? Post-Passover, celebrate the return of risen bread with us and help decide who makes the best bagels in the District! You be the judge as you sample bagels from around the city and vote for your favorites.”
  • 8:30 p.m. — BIYP Mimouna Potluck with B’nai Israel Congregation
    • “Come join us for a night of flavor, fun, and authentic Mimouna magic—you won’t want to miss it! Get ready for a festive night full of vibrant Israeli Mizrahi music, freshly made moufleta and sfenj, and delicious Moroccan treats.”

Sunday, April 12th

  • 6:30 p.m. — Mimouna Festival of Good Neighbors with SHIN-DC
    • “Enjoy traditional foods (first come first served) and experience a new generation of Jewish and Muslim Moroccan artists who will share a harmonious blend of music drawing from their collective Sephardic, Jewish, Muslim, and Mimouna heritages, as well as Andalusi, and Chaabi styles.”

Friday, April 17th

Sunday, April 19th

District of Columbia

Maryland

NoVA

For Your Seder Plate

Matzah

Vegan + Vegetarian

Dessert

As part of celebrating Passover, some Jewish communities practice Ma’ot Chittim or ‘money for wheat.’ Yad Yehuda of Greater Washington describes this as “the obligation upon every Jew to donate funds prior to Pesach to help the poor cover their holiday expenses.” Below are some local options for organizations addressing food insecurity, in the DMV and elsewhere:

  • Arlington Food Assistance Center
    • “With your help, we are able to aid residents of Arlington County and the surrounding areas in receiving nutritious food items that not only keep their families fed, but frees up their limited financial resources for other necessary purchases.”
  • Capital Area Food Bank
    • “The Capital Area Food Bank is the anchor of the hunger relief infrastructure in our region, providing more than 60 million meals to people in communities across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.”
  • Capital Kosher Pantry
    • “For those in need, our hunger relief program often means the difference between having enough to eat and doing without sufficient nutrition. We help hundreds of individuals across the Greater Washington Jewish community put proper food on their tables with dignity.”
  • Food for Others
    • “Food for Others is an important part of Northern Virginia’s safety net for those needing food when an emergency strikes and for the growing number of working poor who need to supplement their inadequate food supplies.”
  • Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger
    • “For 40 years, MAZON has been fighting for systemic change. We refuse to accept that anyone in the U.S. or Israel struggles with hunger. We believe that together, we can transform how it is into how it should be.”
  • Nourish Now
    • “…is a nonprofit food bank, specializing in food recovery from restaurants, grocery and big box stores, sporting venues, caterers, farms, and many more…Nourish Now primarily serves Montgomery County, MD, in addition to serving Prince George’s County, MD Baltimore City and Southeast Washington DC.”
  • So What Else
    • “The So What Else Food Rescue Bank aims to increase access to healthy, nutritious food for low-income households by rescuing surplus food from wholesalers and retailers and redistributing it directly to families facing food insecurity.”
  • World Central Kitchen
    • “WCK is first to the frontlines, providing fresh meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises.”
  • Yad Yehuda of Greater Washington
    • “[S]erves as the Jewish community’s financial safety net serving hundreds of individuals from every Jewish neighborhood in the Greater Washington area.”

Haggadot and Seder Guides

How-To and Reflections

Poetry

The views and opinions expressed by the organizations featured on this guide and on this website are solely those of the original organizations. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the organization GatherDC, the GatherDC staff, the GatherDC board, and/or any/all contributors to this site.