Jewish communities across Israel and the United States are preparing for Passover observance with candle lighting times published April 7, 2026, by The Jerusalem Post Staff, ensuring that families in diverse geographic locations can properly observe the holiday that begins at sundown.
The timing information serves communities marking the holiday from April 7-9, 2026 (21-22 Nissan, 5786) in the Diaspora and April 7-8, 2026 (21-22 Nissan, 5786) in Israel, reflecting the traditional difference in observance length between Israel and communities outside the land.
Diaspora Observance Times
For Jewish communities in the United States, candle lighting times vary by location and reflect the geographic diversity of American Jewish life. In New York, families light candles at 7:09 p.m. on April 7 and 8:10 p.m. on April 8, with the holiday ending at 8:11 p.m. Miami communities observe slightly later times, lighting candles at 7:22 p.m. on April 7 and 8:15 p.m. on April 8, with the holiday concluding at 8:16 p.m.
On the West Coast, Los Angeles families light candles at 7:00 p.m. on April 7 and 7:57 p.m. on April 8, with the holiday ending at 7:58 p.m. These times enable working families to return home and prepare for the seder, the ritual meal that marks the beginning of Passover observance.
Israel Observance Schedule
In Israel, where Passover is observed for one day fewer than in the Diaspora, communities across the country prepare for candle lighting on the evening of April 7. Jerusalem residents light candles at 6:22 p.m., with the holiday ending at 7:40 p.m. Tel Aviv observes candle lighting at 6:46 p.m. and holiday conclusion at 7:42 p.m.
Haifa communities light candles at 6:34 p.m. with the holiday ending at 7:42 p.m., while Beersheba marks candle lighting at 6:45 p.m. and holiday end at 7:41 p.m. In the southern city of Eilat, candles are lit at 6:44 p.m. with the holiday concluding at 7:41 p.m.
Access and Community Preparation
The publication of these times ensures that Jewish families across economic and geographic circumstances can properly observe the holiday. Access to accurate timing information supports religious observance for communities ranging from urban centers to smaller cities, enabling families to gather for the seder and mark the beginning of the festival of freedom.
Why This Matters:
Access to accurate candle lighting times ensures that Jewish families across diverse economic circumstances and geographic locations can properly observe Passover, a holiday centered on themes of liberation and collective memory. The publication of these times by community institutions reflects the infrastructure that supports religious practice for working families who must coordinate observance with employment schedules. For communities in both Israel and the Diaspora, this practical information enables participation in a ritual that connects families across generations and geographies, reinforcing communal bonds and shared tradition. Ensuring widespread access to this timing information supports religious freedom and the ability of all families, regardless of resources, to mark the festival that commemorates the journey from slavery to freedom.