Seventh Day of Passover and Mimouna in Israel
The seventh day of Passover, on 21 Nisan, is a Jewish holy rest day in Israel and the festival’s last day. Mimouna is a separate, unofficial celebration that begins as Passover ends, bringing Moroccan Jewish customs of hospitality and good wishes into public life across Israel.[1][2][3]
A holiday day, then Mimouna
Passover in Israel lasts seven days, from 15 to 21 Nisan. Its first and seventh days are holy rest days, while the days between them are intermediate days. The seventh day is part of the Passover festival; Mimouna follows at its close, on the day after Passover.[1][3]
The distinction matters for time off: Israel’s employment guide lists the first and seventh days of Passover as legal holidays. Jewish employees may observe these religious holidays; non-Jewish employees can choose Jewish holidays or holidays from their own religion, as described in the government’s guidance for foreign workers. Mimouna itself is not an official rest day.[2][4][5]
Meaning and roots
Passover recalls the Israelites’ departure from slavery in Egypt. Its final day completes the weeklong festival, during which the observance of Passover includes avoiding leavened foods. Mimouna is a distinct tradition with North African roots, especially among Jews from Morocco; it is not a second day of Passover.[1][3]
The name Mimouna has several proposed explanations. Israel’s Ministry of Education describes possible links to an Arabic word for good fortune, the Hebrew word emuna, meaning faith, or Rabbi Maimon, father of Maimonides. These are explanations offered for the name, rather than a settled origin.[1]
Hospitality, blessings and food
Mimouna is associated with welcoming visitors into the home. In the traditional pattern described by Israel’s Ministry of Education, families visited one another, strengthening community ties and making space for reconciliation. Hosts may dress in special clothes, serve traditional foods, play music and dance.[1]
Mofletta is a thin fried dough eaten with butter and honey, marking the return of leavened food after Passover. Other festive foods and ingredients, including honey, dates, fruit and wine, appear on Mimouna tables as symbols of abundance and good fortune. A customary greeting is “Tirbḥu u-tisʿadu,” a wish for prosperity and success.[1][2]
The celebration in Israel
Moroccan Jewish immigrants continued celebrating Mimouna in family and community settings after coming to Israel. In 1966, the first Mimouna celebration intended for the general public was held at Sanhedrin Park in Jerusalem. The custom later spread beyond the North African Jewish community and became a wider Israeli cultural celebration.[1][2]
For practical planning, treat the seventh day of Passover as the public holiday and Mimouna as an evening of visits and celebrations after Passover ends. Government employment guidance confirms the holiday status. Check opening hours with banks, shops and transport providers before travelling.[2][4][5]
Frequently asked questions
Is the seventh day of Passover a public holiday in Israel?
Is Mimouna also an official day off?
When does Mimouna take place?
What can visitors expect at Mimouna?
Celebrations may include open homes, visits, music, dancing, blessings and foods such as mofletta with butter and honey. Customs vary among families and communities.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Mimouna, Seventh day of Passover in Israel:
- הַיוֹם חוֹגְגִים את המִימוּנָה – חַג של שִׂמחָה ואֱמוּנָה, לֵב פָּתוּחַ והַכנָסַת אוֹרחִים- Ministry of Education, State of Israel
- Mimouna 5783-2023 at the Knesset- The Knesset
- פסח, ט״ו בניסן | חגים ומועדים | מעגל השנה | מרחב פדגוגי- Ministry of Education, State of Israel
- Employment- State of Israel
- عيد الفصح - بيساح- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State of Israel