The Dates of Passover, 2008

The Hebrew dates of Passover this (and every) year are from
the 15th through the 22nd of Nissan (one day less in Israel).

On the secular calendar the dates are from sundown April 19
until after dark on April 27. People who live permanently in
Israel celebrate all Jewish holidays except Rosh Ha'Shana
for one day less than everyone else.

The unusual circumstance this year 5768/2008 is that Passover begins
motzai shabbos - at the end of the Sabbath. In other words,
the first seder will take place on Saturday night, April 19, 2008.

How Does This Compare to Other Years?

The day before Pesach, the one followed immediately by the first
seder, has a usual routine. When that day happens to be Saturday
- Shabbos - the routines change drastically.

Because of Sabbath restrictions:

• A b'chor (firstborn son) cannot fast on Shabbos.
• You cannot search for Chametz on Friday night.
• You cannot burn the chametz on Shabbos morning.
• We can't nullify our chametz on Shabbos.
• We must nevertheless have bread of some kind for our
  Shabbos meals (we can't eat matzo yet).

Careful Planning a Must

Here is a summary of what to do this year:

1) Search for chametz on Thursday night after dark.
2) Burn your chametz Friday morning.
3) Ta'anis B'chorim - the fast of the firstborn - takes place
on either Thursday or Friday. Local customs vary.
4) Important: Make all preparations for the seder on Friday.
Start setting the table for the seder after dark on Saturday night.
This allows you to relax in the company of your
family all day long on Shabbos. Enjoy it!
5) Set aside rolls for your Shabbos meals.
6) The rolls should be just enough for your needs;
not more than can be eaten completely.
7) Select a place to eat that can be thoroughly cleaned.
8) Consume or properly dispose of all the crumbs.

I have found an article that discusses at length
the peculiarities of this year's dates of Passover.
It gives you all the options, something I have not done.