Passover quiz questions: traditions, history and the Seder

Passover (or Pesach in Hebrew) is one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays, celebrated by millions of families around the world each spring. It's a festival built on storytelling, ritual and some seriously symbolic food. In 2026, Passover begins at sundown on April 1st. Whether you're putting together a quiz night with a seasonal twist or just want to brush up on your knowledge, here are ten questions about Passover's history and traditions.

The questions

1What historical event does Passover commemorate?

Answer:The Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt(click to reveal)

According to the Book of Exodus, the Israelites were held as slaves in Egypt for generations before God freed them through a series of miraculous events. The holiday retells that story each year, making it one of the oldest continuously observed festivals in the world. More on the Exodus narrative.

2What is the name of the ritual meal held on the first night (or first two nights) of Passover?

Answer:The Seder(click to reveal)

The word means "order" in Hebrew, which makes sense because the evening follows a very specific sequence of prayers, songs, stories and symbolic foods. Families and communities gather around the table to retell the story of the Israelites' liberation. In Israel there's one Seder night, while Jewish communities outside Israel typically hold two. How the Seder works.

3During the Seder, a section called the Ma Nishtanah is traditionally recited or sung by the youngest child at the table. By what English name is it better known?

Answer:The Four Questions(click to reveal)

They all stem from the opening line: "Why is this night different from all other nights?" Each question highlights something unusual about the Seder meal, from eating only unleavened bread to dipping vegetables twice and reclining while eating. The questions are designed to spark curiosity and draw children into the story. The Four Questions explained.

4Jews eat matzah (a flat, unleavened bread) throughout Passover. Why is it unleavened?

Answer:Because the Israelites fled Egypt in such haste that their bread didn't have time to rise(click to reveal)

That's the traditional explanation from the Torah. When Pharaoh finally let them go, they couldn't wait around for dough to rise, so they baked it flat. During Passover, observant Jews avoid all leavened grain products (called chametz) as a reminder of that rushed departure. Matzah and its significance.

5What is the name of the text read aloud during the Seder that tells the story of the Exodus?

Answer:The Haggadah(click to reveal)

The word comes from the Hebrew for "telling," which fits perfectly since its whole purpose is to guide families through the retelling of the Exodus story. It contains prayers, blessings, songs, rabbinic commentary and instructions for each part of the Seder. It's said to be the most widely printed book in Jewish history, with thousands of editions produced over the centuries. History of the Haggadah.

6According to the Book of Exodus, how many plagues did God send upon Egypt before Pharaoh agreed to free the Israelites?

Answer:Ten(click to reveal)

The plagues escalated in severity: blood, frogs, lice, flies, pestilence, boils, hail, locusts, darkness and finally the death of the firstborn. During the Seder, it's customary to spill a drop of wine for each plague as a sign that joy is diminished by the suffering of others, even enemies. The ten plagues.

7The Hebrew name for Passover is "Pesach." What does this word mean?

Answer:To pass over (or to spare/protect)(click to reveal)

It refers to God "passing over" the houses of the Israelites during the tenth plague, the death of the firstborn. The Israelites had marked their doorposts with lamb's blood so the plague would skip their homes. Some scholars argue the root word is closer to "protect" or "spare" rather than simply "pass over," but the traditional English name stuck. Etymology of Pesach.

8Passover lasts seven days in Israel but how many days is it observed by most Jewish communities outside Israel?

Answer:Eight days(click to reveal)

The extra day has historical roots. In ancient times, communities far from Jerusalem couldn't be sure exactly when the new month had been declared, so they added an extra day to each festival to make sure they got the date right. Reform Jews typically observe seven days regardless of location, but Orthodox and Conservative communities outside Israel keep the eight-day tradition. Why seven or eight days.

9During the Seder, a piece of matzah is broken in half and one piece is hidden somewhere in the house for children to find after the meal. What is this hidden piece called?

Answer:The Afikoman(click to reveal)

The word likely comes from the Greek for "dessert" or "that which comes after." In many families, whoever finds it gets a small prize or gift. It's deliberately playful: designed to keep children engaged and awake through what can be a very long evening. The Afikoman has to be found before the Seder can officially end, which gives the kids some real bargaining power.

10Near the end of the Seder, a cup of wine is poured for a biblical prophet and the front door is opened to symbolically welcome him. Which prophet?

Answer:Elijah(click to reveal)

According to Jewish tradition, he will return one day to herald an era of peace and redemption. The cup (known as the Cup of Elijah) is filled but left undrunk. Opening the door is a gesture of faith and hope, looking forward to a better future. The custom of welcoming him at the Seder first appears in Jewish texts around the 11th century. Elijah's Cup on Britannica.

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These questions work well as a standalone Passover round or scattered through a general knowledge quiz for some seasonal flavour. If you're building a full quiz, the quizquiz.co quiz creator makes it easy to put one together in minutes. Chag Pesach Sameach!