Category: Feast Days

Passover – Examining Abib 10 to 13

Passover – Examining Abib 10 to 13
Among the four Gospels, many people believe that the book of John presents a narrative that contradicts the accounts found in the other Gospels regarding the Messiah’s last Passover supper, commonly referred to as the “Last Supper.”

This perception has led some to argue that Yahushua never actually ate the Passover supper since it took place on the evening of Abib 14, one day before Abib 15, the date recognized by Jewish religious leaders as the official observance of Passover.

Some critics claim that Yahushua’s Last Supper on Abib 14 was not a genuine Passover meal, suggesting that he knew he would be dead and unable to celebrate the actual Passover on Abib 15.

Others propose that, due to this unique situation, an exception was made for Yahushua by Father Yahweh, allowing him to observe a valid Passover one day early, thus bypassing the Law.

But are any of these claims valid?

Continue reading “Passover – Examining Abib 10 to 13” →

The Math of Passover & Unleavened Bread

The Math of Passover & Unleavened Bread
A popular Sacred Name group once published a list, “10 Key Passover Facts,” in their Jan-Feb 2018 magazine.

We will address Fact #5, which reads:

While leavening is not prohibited on Passover day, Abib 14, it is disallowed with the Passover memorial, Exodus 12:8. The Passover is a time of removing leavening in preparation for the Feast of Unleavened Bread that follows.

Modified Version
For many, this statement seems reasonable because it reflects the contemporary acceptance, by most people, of a modified version of the Hasidic/Pharisaic practice of Passover and Unleavened Bread. This modified practice encompasses the dates from Abib 14 to Abib 21, resulting in a total observance of 8 days.
Continue reading “The Math of Passover & Unleavened Bread” →

Beginning the New Year – Part 2

Beginning the New Year – Part 2
In our previous discussion, Beginning the New Year – Pt. 1, we explored the Hebrew terms תקופה (tequphah) and תקופת (tequphath).

We learned that a tequphah refers to a solar event and marks a specific point in time, which could be an equinox or a solstice.

We also noted that a tequphath represents a season of the solar year. The two seasons used for calculating Festival Days are spring-summer and autumn-winter.

With this understanding, we will continue in Part 2 by examining the Festival of Tabernacles and the Festival of Ingathering. We will uncover how both festivals relate to determining the scriptural New Year.

Khag of Tabernacles
We need to understand the distinction between the labels “the Khag (Festival) of Ingathering” and “the Khag of Tabernacles.” The latter is actually just a part of the former. The instructions from the books of Deuteronomy and Leviticus regarding the seven-day Khag of Tabernacles state:

Continue reading “Beginning the New Year – Part 2” →

Passover & Water Baptism – Pt 2

Passover & Water Baptism – Pt 2
Previously, in Part 1 of our two-part series, we provided the groundwork for our present examination of the facts regarding whether or not water baptism is a prerequisite for the partaking of the Passover meal.

Replaced by Water Baptism?
It is claimed that after Yahushua’s death and resurrection the requirement of fleshy circumcision especially for Passover was “replaced” by water baptism. To make this point, the following quote by Saul (Paul) is given:

Continue reading “Passover & Water Baptism – Pt 2” →

Passover & Water Baptism – Pt 1

Passover & Water Baptism – Pt 1
Prior to the observance of Passover during our present time, there frequently emerges a serious quest by some newer followers of Yahweh to experience a proper and valid water baptism.

The reason being that the majority of Sacred Name groups of today assert that in order for a person to partake of the Passover meal or emblems they must have undergone a mandatory water baptism in the proper name of the messiah.

It is also maintained by most of these groups that before the death of Yahushua the messiah, in order to partake of the Passover meal, all men had to be fleshly circumcised.

Different Passover Systems
We must first admit to a basic difference in the opinion about Passover. To begin with, many are often unaware that there were several different Passover systems practiced by the ancient Jews.

Continue reading “Passover & Water Baptism – Pt 1” →

Circumcision & Passover – Pt 2

Circumcision & Passover – Pt 2
In Circumcision & Passover – Pt 1 we covered the testimony regarding fleshy circumcision as found in the New Testament. We will now continue on the Trail of Truth to reveal the confirmation of that testimony primarily from the Old Testament.

A close examination of the book of Genesis, for example, reveals that fleshly circumcision was not a legal requirement of the original contract made with Abram (Abraham) in the Abrahamic Covenants of Promise.

Abraham Blessed Before Fleshly Circumcision
Before the token of fleshly circumcision was used by Abraham and his household (which did not come into effect until Genesis 17), we read in Genesis 12:

Continue reading “Circumcision & Passover – Pt 2” →

Circumcision & Passover – Pt 1

Circumcision & Passover – Pt 1
There is a belief among some proclaimed followers of Yahweh that in order for men to partake of the Passover, they must first be circumcised of the flesh.

Fleshy circumcision is also held by some as a proof that Passover is not an actual Festival or Feast Day for the reason that the lack of circumcision would prevent individuals from participating in a required sacred day of Yahweh.

What do Scriptures actually say concerning this issue?

If you are interested in finding out the truth of the matter then it would be advantageous for you to continue with our investigation.

Before we can directly address the issue of circumcision as it relates to Passover we must first determine if Scriptures demand fleshy circumcision in order for men to be saved.

Usually two reasons are given by the advocates of circumcision:

• Abraham was circumcised and he was commanded to circumcise all the males of his household.

• Fleshly circumcision is required in the written Torah of Moses (Old Covenant).

Continue reading “Circumcision & Passover – Pt 1” →

Passover – C. O. Dodd’s Failing

There are those who would point to Leviticus 23:6 and insist that Abib 15 is the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread which continues through Abib 21.

And on the fifteenth day of the same month is a festival of unleavened bread unto Yahweh: seven days you must eat unleavened bread. (Leviticus 23:6)

An additional reference is also given from Numbers:

And on the fifteenth day of this month is a festival; seven days shall unleavened bread be eaten. (Numbers 28:17)

For those who observe a form of the Pharisaic/Hasidic practice for the Festival of Unleavened Bread (System B and System G), these passages from Leviticus and Numbers are held as proof that the first day of the 7-day Festival of Unleavened Bread is Abib 15.

It is evident that when these two passages are closely examined in context, the results reveal the opposite and actually support Passover Day, Abib 14, as being the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread (System A).

Continue reading “Passover – C. O. Dodd’s Failing” →

Passover-Abib 14 is a Festival Day!

Passover-Abib 14 is a Festival Day!
An overwhelming amount of evidence supports the observance of Passover and Unleavened Bread for seven days, specifically from Abib 14 to Abib 20. This study will demonstrate that this was the practice of Yahushua the Messiah and the early assemblies later referred to as the Quartodecimans (System A)

However, many individuals stubbornly disagree with this conclusion despite the evidence and continue to follow a modified version of the Pharisaic/Hasidic practice (System B). This newer practice incorporates an eight-day observance of eating unleavened bread, extending from Abib 14 to Abib 21 (System G).

Continue reading “Passover-Abib 14 is a Festival Day!” →

New Moons – Visibility or Calculation?

New Moons – Visibility or Calculation?
When discussing the determination of New Moons, whether by visibility or calculation, several questions arise regarding the truth of the matter as presented by Yahweh.

Many religious leaders have convinced a significant number of people that one must not only see the visible crescent of the new moon but also assess the greenness of the barley crop to determine the New Year.

These leaders assert they possess the true criteria for establishing Yahweh’s calendar and claim that their knowledge and understanding are derived directly from the Scriptures.

Additionally, these religious leaders assert that their method for determining New Moons is relatively straightforward and rooted in Scriptures. They claim it is so simple that Yahweh has made it accessible for almost anyone to determine the start of months and years, regardless of their circumstances.

However, not everyone may find it easy—if you do not have perfect vision or are not a farmer, you might encounter some challenges.

Continue reading “New Moons – Visibility or Calculation?” →

Sabbath Year – Tishri Fallacy-Part 1

Sabbath Year – Tishri Fallacy-Part 1
For those who are interested in observing the Sabbath years it would be very beneficial, at least from Yahweh’s perspective, to know what month actually begins the Sabbath year, Abib or Tishri.

There are many who actually believe that the Sabbath year begins with the seventh month of Tishri and not with the first month of Abib (Nisan).

It has also been extrapolated by many that not only should Sabbath years commence according to a Tishri reckoning but that every year should begin with the seventh month of Tishri.

If one believes that such a notion is found in Scriptures, then it is suggested that one take a closer look at the relevant facts of the matter.

In order to addess this issue we must contend with the concept that the Jews, from the time of their return to Judaea from Babylon in 538 B.C.E. until the end of the Bar Kochba revolt (135 C.E.), officially began their Sabbath years with Tishri 1 (Sep./Oct.) of the sixth year of the Sabbath cycle, as had become their custom sometime after the Bar Kochba war.

Continue reading “Sabbath Year – Tishri Fallacy-Part 1” →

Passover – Egyptian Confirmation

Passover – Egyptian Confirmation
Many followers of Yahweh may be unaware of a remarkable source that provides evidence for the practice of the 7-day Festival of Passover and Unleavened Bread, which occurs from Abib 14 to 20.

This source comes from an extra-biblical work known as the Book of Yashar, or Sefer Ha-Yashar.

While the current copy of the Book of Yashar should not be considered authoritative like Scriptures, its insights regarding the Passover of the Exodus are nonetheless quite informative and interesting.

Book of Yashar
– 81:5 And the children of Israel TRAVELED FROM EGYPT AND FROM GOSHEN AND FROM RAMESES, AND ENCAMPED IN SUCCOTH ON THE FIFTEENTH DAY of the first month.

Continue reading “Passover – Egyptian Confirmation” →

37. Passover – Deuteronomy and Ezekiel

Passover – Deuteronomy and Ezekiel
Many promote a form of the Hasidic/Pharisaic 8-day practice of Passover and Unleavened Bread, observing it on Abib 14-21.

Two scriptural passages that are misinterpreted and then used as proof against the 7-day Festival of Passover and Unleavened Bread practice of Abib 14-20 are Deuteronomy 16:8 and Ezekiel 45:21.

Before addressing these two passages, we will quickly recap the two positions.

•  7-Day View

– Abib 14, Passover day, is a Festival Day and High Sabbath. It is the first day of Passover week and the 7-day Festival of Unleavened Bread. One commences eating unleavened bread just after sunset at the beginning of Abib 14.

Continue reading “37. Passover – Deuteronomy and Ezekiel” →

36. Passover – Atonement on the 9th?

Passover – Atonement on the 9th?
Although all of the evidence from Scriptures unequivocally makes “between/among the arabim (evenings)” begin at sunset and end at dark, there is one challenge made by the advocates of System B (the Hasidic position) which must be addressed: their interpretation of Leviticus 23:26-32.

This single passage is the mainstay defense used by all of those claiming that at least one arab (evening) represents the last few hours of a day (System B and System D).

Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
Though the section begins by stating that “on the tenth day of this seventh month is a Day of Atonement,” a sacred convocation, and a day of humbling, i.e., fasting,1 it later gives a statement which is popularly translated to mean: Continue reading “36. Passover – Atonement on the 9th?” →

34. Passover – Between the Evenings

Passover – Between the Evenings
Do Scriptures actually reveal that the Festival of Passover is the first of the 7 days of Unleavened Bread lasting from Abib 14-20?

During the process of finding out the truth of the matter, the evidence from Passover – Evening Begins the Day has firmly established that the Hebrew term ערב (arab; evening) begins at sunset, the period of twilight, and is the first part of a new day.

Our attention will now turn to the expression “בין הערבים (byn ha-arabim; i.e., between, among, in the midst of, or within the arabim (often translated “evenings”).1

For those who are seeking the clarity of Yahweh’s  truth of the matter, the following investigation will prove to be quite revealing.
Continue reading “34. Passover – Between the Evenings” →