Passover, also known as Pesach -- which means "to pass over" in Hebrew -- is an eight-day holiday celebrated in the spring. Passover commemorates the Exodus, when the Israelites were freed from slavery in ancient Egypt.
During Passover, families observe traditions such as avoiding leavened bread, also known as chametz, and gathering for special Seder meals. These meaningful meals include traditions like drinking four cups of wine, eating matzah and bitter herbs, and retelling the story of the Exodus so each generation can learn and remember.
Matzah is a crisp, flat, unleavened bread made from flour and water. It is prepared using a special process and must be baked before the dough has time to rise. Matzah is the only type of bread traditionally eaten during Passover and serves as a reminder of the haste with which the Israelites fled Egypt, leaving no time for their bread dough to rise.
Matzah and matzah meal which is ground matzah - is commonly used as a base ingredient in many Passover recipes. With a little creativity, families can prepare a wide variety of dishes using matzah and matzah meal throughout the holiday.
While the dates for Passover change each year, the holiday typically takes place in April, though it can begin in March. The first two nights of Passover are marked by a special meal called a Seder. Like all Jewish holidays, Passover begins at sundown on the first evening and ends after nightfall on the final day.
🎶 A little treat to get you in the mood for Passover
A Michael Jackson Passover brought to you by the talented a cappella group Six13. They are known for creating thoughtful and creative Jewish-themed parody videos set to popular favorite songs and classics. Their music is a fun way to get into the Passover spirit, and their YouTube channel features many more Passover and Jewish holiday videos families can enjoy together. 🎶
Macaroni Tip: These upbeat videos are a great way to get kids - and grown-ups - excited for Passover while learning about traditions through music.
- Six13 - PSVR. (a Passover adaptation of "APT." by Bruno Mars and Rosé)
- Six13 - A Lion King Passover
- Six13 - Chozen (a "Frozen" adaptation for Passover)
Whether your family is preparing for Passover for the first time or continuing cherished traditions, this family-friendly Passover guide brings together helpful articles, recipes, shopping resources, and practical tips to make planning and celebrating easier.
Macaroni KID Conejo Valley – Malibu – Calabasas also connects families with local Passover resources, including community Seders, places to shop for kosher foods and Jewish holiday items, and family-friendly opportunities in Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Oak Park, Malibu, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, and nearby communities.
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Getting Ready for Passover
Cleaning and Preparing Your Home
Preparing for Passover often begins with cleaning the home to remove chametz and get ready for the holiday. For many families, this is a meaningful tradition that can also be a great way to get kids involved.
Children can help with simple, age-appropriate tasks like checking their rooms for snacks, wiping surfaces, sorting pantry items, or helping pack away foods that won’t be used during Passover. Turning preparation into a family activity can make the process feel more manageable - and even a little fun.
Below you'll find helpful articles, tips, and family-friendly ideas to make Passover cleaning and preparation easier.
- Back-to-Basics Spring Cleaning - A more Natural Approach 🍋
- 3 Printables to Make Spring Cleaning a Breeze
When Is the Seder?
The Seder feast is held on the first and second evening of Passover in the United States just after sundown.
Helpful Articles About Passover
- Passover: Why Is This Night Different From All Others?
- What Is Passover? Learn All About This Holiday
- 9 Ways to Make Passover Fun and Meaningful
- The Passover Seder Plate
Passover Resources
- Chabad: Pesach - Passover
- Chabad of the Conjeo: Passover
- Chabad: Download Free Haggadah
Celebrating Passover with Kids
- Chabad: Passover Kids Site
- PJ Library: Everything You Need for Passover with Kids
🧑🍳 Passover Recipes:
- Super Easy Matzo Ball Soup
- Great Grandma Dora's Matzah Ball Soup - Just in Time for Passover
- Passover Muffins for the Matzah-Weary that Your Family Will Enjoy!
- Passover Recipes - Macaroni KID Favorites
- Make Your Own Passover Candy...Chocolate-Covered Toffee Matzah
🛍️ Shopping for Kosher foods, Jewish items and gifts:
Check you local grocery store for common passover foods and essentials. Visit you local Farmers Market for seasonal produce and specialty foods.
- Conejo Kosher Market: New Kosher Grocery Store in Agoura Hills
- J-Home Malibu: Spiritual and unique Judaica home goods and more.
- Shalom House: Fine Judaica since 1971, located in Woodland Hills
- Don't forget to visit your local Farmers Market for fresh and seasonal produce and specialty items
What is Chametz and Why Do We Avoid it During Passover?
Chametz - also spelled hametz or chometz - refers to food products made from specific grains including wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt that have come into contact with water and have been allowed to ferment and rise.
During Passover, it is customary to remove chametz from the home. This often includes grain-based foods such as flour, cake, cookies, pasta, bread, and other items that contain these ingredients.
Chametz items are typically removed from the home and disposed of or sold before Passover begins. Many families arrange to sell chametz through their local synagogue. Check with your local synagogue for dates, details, and instructions. Some synagogues also offer online options to sell chametz.
Sell Your Chametz
- Chabad of Thousand Oaks
- Chabad of the Conejo
- Chabad of Ventura
- Chabad of North Hollywood
- Online through Chabad
🍽️ Find a Community Seder:
- Chabad of Thousand Oaks
- Chabad of the Conejo
- Chabad of Malibu
- Chabad of Pacific Palisades
- Find a Passover Seder Near You
📅 Passover Dates
- 2026: April 1 - 9
- 2027: April 21-29
- 2028: April 10-18
- 2029: March 30-April 7
- 2030: April 17-25
Wishing families across Conejo Valley, Malibu, Calabasas, and nearby communities a joyful and meaningful Passover - Chag Pesach Sameach!
 pushlama from Getty Images Pro |
This guide is updated annually
