Does Passover Always Start on Friday?
Passover, one of the most significant Jewish holidays, commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. It is a time of great celebration and reflection, filled with rituals, traditions, and symbolism. One common question that often arises is whether Passover always starts on Friday. This article delves into the intricacies of the Passover calendar and explores the factors that determine the holiday’s start date.
Understanding the Passover Calendar
The Jewish calendar is a lunar-based calendar, meaning it is based on the phases of the moon. This differs from the Gregorian calendar, which is a solar-based calendar. The Jewish year is divided into 12 months, with an additional month added seven times during a 19-year cycle to keep the lunar and solar calendars aligned. This additional month is known as Adar II.
The Passover holiday begins on the 15th day of the month of Nissan, which is the first month of the Jewish calendar. The Nissan month typically corresponds to March or April in the Gregorian calendar. However, the specific start date of Passover can vary from year to year.
Factors Influencing the Start Date
The main factor that influences the start date of Passover is the phase of the moon. The Jewish calendar relies on the observation of the new moon to determine the beginning of each month. A new moon is the moment when the moon is between the Earth and the sun, making it invisible from Earth. Jewish authorities, known as the Sanhedrin, traditionally observed the new moon and declared the beginning of the month.
If the new moon is observed on a Sunday, Passover will begin on Monday. If the new moon is observed on a Monday, Passover will begin on Tuesday. This pattern continues, with Passover starting on a later day of the week each year. However, it is important to note that Passover can never begin on a Friday or Saturday, as these are the Jewish Shabbat, or Sabbath, days.
Passover’s Special Observances
The start date of Passover also determines the observances associated with the holiday. The first two nights of Passover are typically celebrated with a Seder meal, which includes specific rituals, songs, and readings. The Seder meal commemorates the Exodus from Egypt and is filled with symbolism, such as the bitter herbs representing the bitterness of slavery and the unleavened bread, or matzah, symbolizing the haste in which the Israelites left Egypt.
The duration of Passover also depends on the start date. If Passover begins on a Monday, it will last for seven days. If it begins on a Tuesday, it will last for eight days. In some cases, when Passover coincides with the Jewish Sabbath, the holiday may be extended to nine days.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Passover does not always start on Friday. The holiday’s start date is determined by the lunar calendar and the observation of the new moon. Passover can begin on any day of the week except Friday or Saturday, and its duration can vary from seven to nine days. Understanding the complexities of the Passover calendar and its observances helps us appreciate the rich tradition and significance of this Jewish holiday.
