Can you say “Happy Passover”? What do you say on Jewish holidays?

Joy is a commandment

The Torah commands joy on the festivals: “You shall rejoice in your festival… and you shall be only joyful” (Deuteronomy 16:14–15). Maimonides explains that this includes festive meals, new clothes for one’s wife, sweets for children and – essential – inviting the poor, the widow and the stranger. Wishing someone a happy festival expresses this mitzvah.

Greetings by holiday

Passover, Sukkot, Shavuot: “Chag sameach”, or for Passover “Chag kasher vesameach” – a kosher and happy festival. Hanukkah and Purim: “Happy Hanukkah”, “Chag Purim sameach” or simply “Happy Purim”. Rosh Hashanah: “Shanah tovah” (a good year); Sephardim add “Tizku leshanim rabot”. Yom Kippur and Tisha B’Av, being fasts, are not “happy”: wish “an easy fast” (tzom kal) or, on Tisha B’Av, nothing festive at all.

On the intermediate days

During chol hamoed – the middle days of Passover and Sukkot – people say “Moadim lesimchah”, “festivals for joy”, answered by “Chagim uzmanim lesasson”. On Shabbat during the festival, the usual “Shabbat shalom” is said together with “Moadim lesimchah”.

From non-Jewish friends

Jewish friends and colleagues appreciate any sincere greeting. “Happy Passover” or “Happy Hanukkah” is always welcome, and a card or a box of kosher sweets is a kind gesture; for Yom Kippur “I hope your fast goes well” is the thoughtful choice. Our greetings pages explain the Hebrew phrases.