Passover begins at sundown April 1, and Palm Beach temples will mark the holiday with special events honoring the Israelites’ exodus from ancient Egypt.

The holiday commemorates the liberation of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt and their journey to freedom, marked with rituals and community gatherings.

Rabbi Abraham Unger, executive director of New Synagogue in Palm Beach, said Passover plays a central role in Jewish life and spirituality.

“Many think that Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the most central observances in Judaism, but Jewish spirituality really begins with Passover,” he said. “Passover is foundational to all of Jewish life. Historically, it celebrates the freedom of the Children of Israel from slavery. There would not have been a Jewish community without Passover. This liberation allowed us to form as a people.”

Passover begins at sundown April 1 and ends at sundown April 9. Events to mark the holiday on the island include:

At New Synagogue

Passover events at New Synagogue, 235 Sunrise Ave., begin March 31 with the search for chametz after 8:11 p.m. On April 1, the last time for eating chametz will be 10:55 a.m., and the last time to burn it is 12:09 p.m.

The synagogue also will host invitation-only Seders on April 1 and 2. Candle lightings and holiday services are scheduled to be held on the evenings of April 1 and 2. A Passover-themed Tot Shabbat is scheduled fo 10:30 a.m. on April 4.