We researched every Seder, catering option, and kosher shop along the Bathurst corridor so you can plan Passover with confidence. Here is your complete guide to celebrating Passover (Pesach) in North York -- community Seders, kosher catering, Bathurst corridor shopping, pre-Passover family events, and the NCJWC food drive. April 1–9, 2026.
Passover 2026 begins at sundown on Wednesday, April 1 and ends at nightfall on Thursday, April 9. The first Seder is the evening of April 1 and the second Seder is the evening of April 2. North York's Jewish community is centred along the Bathurst corridor from Lawrence to Steeles, where you will find the highest concentration of community Seders, kosher groceries, Judaica shops, and catering options.
Passover (Pesach) is one of the most significant Jewish holidays, commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Families gather for the Seder -- a ritual meal with readings from the Haggadah, symbolic foods on the Seder plate, and the eating of matzah (unleavened bread). The holiday lasts eight days in the Diaspora, during which leavened foods (chametz) are not eaten.
North York is home to some of the GTA's most established Jewish institutions. The Bernard Betel Centre at Bathurst & Steeles has hosted its community Seder for over 50 years. The JRCC serves the Russian-Jewish community from multiple branches. Temple Emanu-El in Willowdale offers services throughout the holiday. And the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto maintains a comprehensive directory of 30+ Seders across the city.
The Sunday before Passover is packed with family-friendly events to get children excited about the holiday. Here is what is happening tomorrow.
Bring the Passover story to life through songs, storytelling, and chocolate. A sweet, engaging experience designed for families with children of all ages.
The big pre-Passover family event. Activities include crafts, singing, interactive exhibits, and an "ExodUS" Selfie Seder. A sensory room is available for families needing a calmer environment. $5/person, max $20/family.
Within Palooza: Passover Big and Little (5:00–5:40 PM) for Pre-School through Grade 1 families with a special craft. Also a low-sensory guided tour of the ExodUS exhibit at 5:00 PM.
You do not need to be a synagogue member to attend most of these community Seders. Several are open to anyone looking for a meaningful Passover experience. Book ahead -- seats fill up fast.
The UJA Federation of Greater Toronto maintains the most comprehensive directory of community Seders in the GTA, with 30+ listings. Browse and register at jewishtoronto.com/seders-2026.
North York's longest-running community Seder, now in its 53rd year. Doors open at 4:30 PM. $35/person. Sponsored by the Anne Tanenbaum z'l Passover Seder Fund. This is a UJA-supported tradition that draws from across the Bathurst & Steeles community.
Open to the community. Adults $55, Children $35, Families $165. Reservations required. A warm Chabad-style Seder experience near Yonge & Davisville.
The Jewish Russian Community Centre holds Seders at multiple branches in the Bathurst Manor and Finch area. Serving the Russian-Jewish community for decades.
In-person worship service plus livestream on Facebook and YouTube for those who cannot attend. Temple Emanu-El hosts services throughout the entire Passover period.
Free (voluntary donations welcome). An inclusive, donation-based second-night Seder with Haggadah reading and communal dinner. Open to all -- one of the most welcoming options if you are looking for a community gathering without a ticket price.
A catered second-night Seder. Contact the synagogue for pricing and registration. UJA-listed.
A secular/humanist option. Reading of "Roots and Branches: A Humanist Haggadah" followed by a partially catered meal (chicken or vegetarian). A thoughtful alternative for those seeking a cultural rather than religious observance.
If you are in your 20s or 30s, OneTable offers funding ("Nourishment") to host or attend a Seder. A great option for young adults who want an intimate, peer-led experience rather than a large congregational event. Low-cost or free.
Day camp for children during Chol HaMoed (intermediate days). Three days of programming while school is out.
Day Seven Services including Yizkor (memorial prayers). Available in-person or via Zoom.
A festive meal on the final day of Passover celebrating the future coming of the Messiah. A Chabad/Hasidic tradition held at JRCC branches.
Hosting a Seder? These caterers and prepared-food shops can handle the heavy lifting. Most are COR-certified (Kashruth Council of Canada) and deliver across the GTA. Order ASAP -- capacity fills up in the final days.
Free GTA delivery on orders $350+ ($30 delivery under $350). Delivery April 1, 2026. A popular choice for turnkey Seder meals.
Fresh daily from a North York kitchen. Minimum order $250 + $30 delivery. GTA-wide delivery. The broadest prepared food menu for Pesach in the city.
Minimum $300 for online Pesach orders. Extensive menu covering mains, sides, and desserts.
In addition to hosting their community Seder, the Betel Centre offers a Passover catering menu (mains, sides, desserts). Contact for pricing.
Iconic Toronto Jewish deli. Passover pre-orders include smoked whitefish, cabbage rolls, sweet farfel pudding, and honey cake. Pickup/delivery March 31. Note: order deadline was March 25 -- call to check if late orders are accepted.
Delivery on Wednesday April 1 and Thursday April 2, 12:00–4:00 PM. Contact for pricing and menu.
Long-standing North York kosher bakery. Passover baked goods produced in a dedicated gluten-free, nut-free facility. The go-to for specialty Passover desserts.
North York residents live near one of the best kosher shopping corridors in Canada. Bathurst Street between Lawrence and Steeles is lined with kosher supermarkets, bakeries, and Judaica shops that stock everything you need for Passover.
Toronto's largest kosher supermarket. Dedicated Passover section with full grocery, butcher, bakery, fish, produce, sushi, deli, and prepared foods.
A Bathurst corridor institution for over 30 years. Full kosher grocery with fresh and frozen goods. Online ordering for pickup or delivery.
Full kosher grocery with a dedicated Passover menu and section. Right next to Kosher City Plus -- hit both in one trip.
The most thorough kosher selection among major chains. Own kosher bakery, prepared foods, separated meat and dairy, Israeli products. Huge Passover section -- Yelp reviewers call it "destination-worthy."
Budget-friendly kosher-for-Passover groceries including Drizzilicious snacks, brisket, and spare ribs. A solid mainstream option.
Haggadahs (including children's and youth editions), Pesach books, cookbooks, toys, games, crafts, and Machzorim. The first stop for Passover reading material.
Imported sterling silver Judaica from international artists. Seder plates, kiddush cups, and ceremonial items. The premium option for heirloom-quality pieces.
Traditional, classic, and modern Judaica. Good range of kids' and gift items for Passover.
Wide selection of Jewish books, ritual objects, and giftware at reasonable prices.
The broadest Judaica selection in the area. Extensive Passover inventory. Worth the trip to Thornhill, especially if you are also visiting the Sobeys Kosher Market next door.
Passover-themed tableware, serveware, Star of David decor. The best mainstream selection for themed party supplies.
Passover-themed floral arrangements and bouquets. Custom arrangements make great host gifts for Seder dinner.
Exclusive Passover floral designs. Same-day delivery across Toronto and the GTA. The best option for last-minute host gifts.
Annual Pesach buying group for Shemurah Matzah at a discounted pre-order price. Matzah also available at the office after the pre-order deadline.
The National Council of Jewish Women of Canada (NCJWC Toronto) runs Canada's largest Passover food drive for the 43rd year. Approximately 3,000 kosher-for-Passover food boxes are delivered to community members in need. Monetary donations accepted online, by mail, or by phone. Featured on CP24 (March 22, 2026).
Passover 2026 begins at sundown on Wednesday, April 1 and ends at nightfall on Thursday, April 9. The first Seder is the evening of April 1 and the second Seder is the evening of April 2.
The Bernard Betel Centre (1003 Steeles Ave W) hosts its 53rd Annual Community Seder on April 1 at $35/person. The JRCC (5987 Bathurst St) holds Seders on both nights. Chabad on the East Side (2026 Yonge St) charges $55/adult. Congregation Habonim (5 Glen Park Ave) hosts a free donation-based second-night Seder.
The Bathurst corridor between Lawrence and Steeles has the best concentration. Savours Fresh Market (3011 Bathurst St) is Toronto's largest kosher supermarket. Kosher City Plus (3468 Bathurst St) and Toronto Kosher (3459 Bathurst St) are nearby. In Thornhill, Sobeys Kosher Market (441 Clark Ave W) has a huge Passover section.
Mitzuyan Kosher Catering (COR-certified, free delivery on $350+), Ely's Fine Foods (North York kitchen, min $250), Kosher Gourmet (1,600+ products, min $300), and TOBEN Food by Design (delivery April 1-2) all offer Passover catering with GTA delivery.
Yes. On Sunday March 29, Beth Shalom Synagogue hosts a Chocolate Seder (12-1 PM) and Beth Tzedec Congregation hosts Passover Palooza (4-7:30 PM) with crafts, singing, and an ExodUS Selfie Seder -- $5/person, max $20/family. Beth Shalom also runs Pesach Camp for children April 7-9.
Bathurst Street is the hub: Miriam's Judaica (3007) for Haggadahs, Aleph Bet Judaica (3453) for books, Crown Judaica (2835) for modern pieces, Elegant Sterling (3431) for sterling silver Seder plates. The Judaica Centre (441 Clark Ave W, Thornhill) has the broadest selection.
The NCJWC Toronto (890 Sheppard Ave W) runs Canada's largest Passover food drive for the 43rd year, delivering about 3,000 kosher-for-Passover food boxes. They accept monetary donations online, by mail, or phone at ncjwctoronto.org.
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