The Kotel in Jerusalem on Chol Hamoed (Photo: Shutterstock)
Israel has always been one of the most popular places to spend Passover. In 2026, Pesach in Israel starts Wednesday night, April 1, and ends Wednesday night, April 8 (Thursday night, April 9, outside of Israel). Passover is one of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals, and to this day, Jews from all over the world still make their way to Jerusalem. Thousands head to the Kotel during Chol Hamoed for the Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing), an incredible scene with hundreds of Kohanim standing together and blessing the crowd.
Most Pesach programs in Israel are non-kitniyot, which is something to pay attention to. A lot of restaurants that stay open for the holiday serve kitniyot, so it’s not always simple to just grab a meal out. Programs make things easier since everything is taken care of, from kashrut to meals.
Many programs also offer a second Seder for tourists and longer stays for those keeping two days of Yom Tov. Always double-check with the operator, since each program has its own setup.
Now, two years into the war, tourists are still coming — all year round and especially for the holidays. People want to be here, whether it’s to celebrate, volunteer, or just spend time in Israel. If you’re planning Pesach 2026, it’s smart to book early. Not only do the best programs fill up fast, but flights get expensive and sell out closer to the holiday. More airlines are flying to Israel again, but El Al has been the only one flying consistently throughout the past two years, making it the most reliable option.
There’s really nothing like celebrating Pesach in Israel — the atmosphere is special, and being here for the holiday is an experience you’ll never forget.
Passover Programs 2026 in Israel
Jerusalem & Central Israel
- Kosher Travelers at The Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem — 5-star luxury in the heart of Jerusalem with Glatt Mehadrin cuisine, an on-site synagogue, kids’ programming, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
- Zvi Lapian at the Neve Ilan Hotel, Jerusalem Hills — Family-friendly program with daily minyanim, quality lectures, entertainment, and a children’s day camp led by English-speaking madrichot.
Tel Aviv & Herzliya
- Pesach at the Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv — Beachfront hotel offering sea-view rooms, festive Seder and Chag meals, a large pool, gym, and Israeli-style breakfasts.
- Pesach at the Crowne Plaza Beach Hotel, Tel Aviv — Directly on the Mediterranean with spacious sea-view rooms, buffet breakfasts, and holiday meals in a prime Tel Aviv location.
- Joey Freudmann at the Daniel Hotel & Shizen Spa, Herzliya — Luxury beachfront retreat with renovated rooms, spa amenities, gourmet meals, kids’ club, and nightly entertainment.
North (Galilee & Kinneret)
- Israel Maven at the Galei Kinneret Hotel, Tiberias — A luxury English-speaking program with high-end amenities, inspirational settings, and guided touring options.
- Kosher Travelers at Nof Ginosar, Lake Kinneret — Spectacular location on the Kinneret with Glatt Kosher cuisine, lectures, entertainment, and separate kids’ and teen programs.
- Joey Freudmann at the Caesar Hotel, Tiberias — Overlooking the Kinneret, this program features gourmet food, live entertainment, and organized excursions.
- Zvi Lapian at the Hacienda Forest View Hotel, near Ma’alot — Family-oriented northern getaway with prayer services, lectures, entertainment, and a full children’s program.
Dead Sea
- Davidman’s at the Vert Dead Sea Hotel — English-speaking luxury program with high-level kashrut, inspiring lectures, entertainment, and access to the Dead Sea’s famous spa and beaches.
Pesach in Israel has its own rhythm. The weather is usually perfect, the streets are buzzing, and there’s an energy you don’t find anywhere else. Two years into the war, tourists are still coming — not just in the summer or for short visits, but all year round and especially for the holidays. Many also come to volunteer, which is another meaningful way to spend time here. If you’re interested, check out our blog on Volunteering in Israel for ways to get involved.
Chol Hamoed is packed with things to do: concerts, festivals, museums, and family-friendly programs at parks and attractions across the country. Just remember to leave early, because with the whole country off, the roads can get crowded.
If you’re looking at Pesach 2026, book sooner rather than later. We’re adding new Passover programs around the world every day, and many sold out early last year. On top of that, flight prices always climb as the holiday gets closer. There are Passover program prices to fit a wide range of budgets, so with a little planning, you’ll find the program that works best for your family.