What is Passover?
Passover is a feast in commemoration of the liberation of the people of Israel in the exodus from Egypt.
Long story short, after multiple attempts at trying to convince Pharaoh of letting go of the people of Israel, who were then enslaved In Egypt, Moses issued a last warning to Pharaoh, that all the firstborns would be killed if he refused to let go if Israel. By all firstborns, it meant all human and animals would be included in the plague (Exodus 11). But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he refused to comply. Elohim was than going to show out for His people and for His glory, that was the last plague on Egypt.
Nisan was then ordained to be the first month of the year for Israel (Exodus 12:2). The people would have to take a lamb without blemishes on the tenth day of that month and keep it until the 14th day (Exodus 12:6) and on the evening of that same day, kill the lamb and eat it grilled with unleavened bread. There should be no leftover from the lamb on the morning of the 15th day. Whatever would be left of the lamb should be burnt. Israel would eat that meal with their shoes on and dressed to stay ready to leave in haste for their escape from Egypt. This ordinance is to be executed from generation to generation by the people of Israel, even to the stranger amongst them.
The “most important” part of Passover in the killing of the lamb and the blood of the lamb placed on the side posts of the door and the top post as well. It is done as a sign to Elohim, to “Pass over” the house of His people, the night He smote the firstborns of Egypt. Israel through that sign, would be covered by the blood of the lamb, and be spared by Elohim.
Also note that Passover is a prophecy to the coming and sacrifice of the Messiah Yahshua. He redeemed all nations through His ultimate sacrifice. We are since, covered by His blood, the blood of the Lamb who was without blemishes (1 Peter 2:21-22), The only begotten son of Elohim, who sacrificed His life for us!
In this very important day, we remember the greatness of our God, The God of Abraham, Moses, Jacob and Israel! For His love, we observer the Passover and the Feast of unleavened bread.
How and when to celebrate Passover?
Elohim, in Exodus 12, provides all the instructions as to how Passover must be celebrated.
Starting the first day of the Jewish year, we should count 10 days. The first day of the Jewish year being on March 23rd, 2023, of the roman calendar.
Note also that the day starts at Sundown of the day prior. Meaning, the 23rd of March, starts at sundown on the 22nd of March until sundown of the 23rd, that then counts as day one. Each family would then take a lamb without blemishes on the tenth day, which is April 1st, 2023. The lamb shall then be kept until the 14th day which is April 5th, 2023. In the evening the blood shall be shed and spread on the two side posts and the upper post of the house door. That same night is Passover (Exodus 12:12).
When does the Feast of unleavened bread start?
The Feast of unleavened bread starts on that first day after Passover night, so the 15th day which starts the night of April 5th to sundown April 6th. As it is instructed in Exodus 12:8 that the lamb shall be eaten with unleavened bread and during seven days, there shall not be found leaven in the house (Exodus 12:15).
The Feast of unleavened bread is in remembrance of the day Israel left Egypt. They left in such haste, that the bread they had made, had not have the time to rise before their departure.
According to Exodus 12:18, counting from the 1st day of Nisan (Sundown March 22 to sundown March 23rd, 2023), there shall be 21 days until the last day of the Feast of unleavened bread, which would lead us to sundown April 12, 2023, which is the 7th day of the Feast of unleavened bread.
When are the Sabbath days?
Exodus 12:16, mentions two Sabbaths related to the Feast of unleavened bread, one being on the first day and the second on the 7th day. Therefore, on April 5th at sundown until April 6 at sundown and then April 11th at sundown until April 12 at sundown.
The mandatory Sabbath on 7th day of the week (Saturday Sabbath) still stands, so do not forget to observe the regular weekly Sabbath as well.
Orthodox jews have additional Sabbath days to their Passover and Feast of unleavened bread, and I was told it was as a security blanket in case the first new moon used to establish the 1st day of the year had not really occurred at said date, if it was off one day, they would then be sure to still observe the Sabbath and not work by mistake. Do not quote me on that, but that’s what I’ve been told, in all cases, better be safe than sorry!
Shalom and happy Passover!
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