How Do Jews Determine the Date of Passover?
Discover how the Jewish people calculate the timing of Passover using the Hebrew calendar and its unique system.
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Passover is determined using the Hebrew calendar, specifically beginning on the 15th day of the month of Nisan. This date usually falls in March or April. The Hebrew calendar is lunisolar, meaning it accounts for both the moon phases and the solar year. Rabbis use this calendar along with a set of rules to ensure the festival's timing aligns with the early spring in Israel.
FAQs & Answers
- What is the significance of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar? Nisan is the month in which Passover occurs, representing themes of rebirth and freedom.
- How is the Hebrew calendar different from the Gregorian calendar? The Hebrew calendar is lunisolar, incorporating both lunar months and solar years, unlike the strictly solar Gregorian calendar.
- What are the main traditions observed during Passover? Key traditions include the Seder meal, the eating of matzo, and the reading of the Haggadah.
- How do Jewish holidays like Passover affect the calendar year? Jewish holidays are based on the lunar months, which can shift the dates in the Gregorian calendar, necessitating adjustments each year.