Category: Holy Days

Passover – A Challenge: 7 or 8 Days?

Passover – A Challenge: 7 or 8 Days?
A popular Sacred Name group offers an article titled “Why Passover is Not a High Day.” This article contains the subtitle “12 Reasons Why the Passover Is Not the First High Day.”

We shall present a few excerpts from the article to illustrate the reinterpretations of Scriptures utilized to justify the predetermined conclusions regarding the Festival of Passover and Unleavened Bread.

The following are “Reasons” 10 and 11. We will employ the following format to address the issues:

•  SNG Statement  ( Sacred Name group statement)
•  YRR Response  (Yahu Ranger response).

Reason 10

– DOES PASSOVER MEMORIAL MAKE EIGHT DAYS OF THE FEAST? –

•  SNG STATEMENT: From the time we take the emblems of unleavened bread and the cup, we are to purge (Strong’s No. 1571 ekkathairo), meaning to cleanse thoroughly, to eliminate, to purify, to get rid of the old leaven. Does this mean that we are now keeping eight days of unleavened bread rather than seven, as some allege?

•  YRR RESPONSE: The SNG STATEMENT implies that after eating the Passover meal at the beginning of Abib 14, one is to begin to purge or get rid of the old leaven that still remains in the home.

♦
Continue reading “Passover – A Challenge: 7 or 8 Days?” →

Passover – Tampering of Scriptures

Passover – Tampering of Scriptures
In an effort to support an 8-day observance of Passover and Unleavened Bread from Abib 14 to 21, many self-proclaimed followers of Yahweh manipulate the straightforward message conveyed in certain scriptural passages.

For example, they cite Exodus 12:14 as evidence, claiming it has been misinterpreted. They argue that Passover Day, which falls on Abib 14, is neither a Festival Day, a High Sabbath, nor the first day of Unleavened Bread. As a result, they treat Passover Day merely as a memorial and a preparation day.

It is also claimed that the Festival of Unleavened Bread begins on their designated High Sabbath of Abib 15 and continues for six days, ending on Abib 21, totaling seven days. Yet, it’s important to note that people begin eating unleavened bread on Passover Day, Abib 14.

Therefore, when they add the one-day observance of the Passover Memorial (Abib 14) with the seven days of the Festival of Unleavened Bread (Abib 15-21), it totals eight days of eating unleavened bread.

However, the information provided to support this eight-day practice lacks scriptural backing. Nowhere in the Scriptures is there any instruction to eat unleavened bread for a total of eight days.

Continue reading “Passover – Tampering of Scriptures” →

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” →

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 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” →

Seeking Yahweh’s Truth

yhwh-11For many, especially among those who assert to be followers of Yahweh, it seems that there exists an unfortunate commonality that runs contrary to what is advanced by Scriptures. This commonality can be labeled “Confusion.” Of course, this should raise a red flag as the following would indicate:

For the deity is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all assemblies of the saints. (1Cor. 14:33)

For example, this confusion can be demonstrated by the often divergent dates given by the various Sacred Name groups for Yahweh’s sacred days during any given year. For example, see Calendar Comparison.
Continue reading “Seeking Yahweh’s Truth” →

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” →

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?” →

32. Passover – Exodus Interrogated III

Passover – Exodus Interrogated III
In our last post, Passover – Exodus Interrogated II, we uncovered an additional eight points of evidence dealing with our investigation of the Festival of Passover and Unleavened Bread:

8. There are a total of 7 days of eating unleavened bread.

9. The first and seventh days are High Sabbaths.

10. It was during the night of Passover, Abib 14, that the Israelites came out of Egypt, the house of bondage.

11. The Hebrew terms arab (evening) and byn ha-arabim (between the evenings) are synonymous and mean the time period just after sunset and before dark which begins the scriptural day.

12. One is to eat unleavened bread from the beginning of Abib 14 until the beginning of Abib 21 for a total of seven days of eating unleavened bread.

13. After the killing of the Passover lamb, the sprinkling of blood on the door frame, and the Passover meal at the beginning of Abib 14, the Israelites were not to leave their houses until morning.

14. It was the destroyer named Yahweh who killed all the Egyptian firstborn.

15. The day of Passover is to be observed as an ordinance or statute until a future world-age lasting time.

We will now proceed to solve this case with our third and final installment.

Continue reading “32. Passover – Exodus Interrogated III” →

31. Passover – Exodus Interrogated II

Passover – Exodus Interrogated II
So far, the interrogation from Passover – Exodus Interrogated I has produced the following primary evidence:

1. Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron on Abib 1 of the New Year.

2. The Passover lamb was to be taken on Abib 10.

3. The lamb was to be kept until the beginning of Abib 14.

4. The lamb was to be killed just after sundown at the beginning of Abib 14, and its blood was applied to the doorframe. It is immediately cooked and eaten.

5. All remains of the lamb were to be burned by early morning before sunrise of Abib 14.

6. Yahweh would pass through Egypt during the night of Abib 14, killing all the firstborn except Israelite houses applied with the blood of the lamb.

7. Abib 14 is a Festival Day.

Let us continue.

Continue reading “31. Passover – Exodus Interrogated II” →

30. Passover – Exodus Interrogated I

Passover – Exodus Interrogated I
What does the book of Exodus really say regarding the observance of the Festival of Passover? Also, what about the Festival of Unleavened Bread?

There are two main popular understandings:

• According to the Hasidic Jewish view (System B) the Passover lamb was killed during the afternoon of Abib 14 and the Passover supper took place after sundown on Abib 15.

Abib 14 is a preparation day and not a High Sabbath. Abib 15-21 is the 7-day Festival of Unleavened Bread. Abib 15 and 21 are High Sabbath days. There are 8 days of eating unleavened bread.

• Among the Sacred Name groups of today, most hold to the Modern Hybrid view (System G) whereby, at the Exodus, the Passover lamb was killed at the start of Abib 14 after sundown and the Passover supper eaten that night.

Like the Hasidic Jews holding to System B, they consider Abib 14 to be a preparation day and not a High Sabbath. Abib 15-21 is the 7-day Festival of Unleavened Bread. Abib 15 and 21 are High Sabbath days. There are 8 days of eating unleavened bread.

For the seeker of truth, we are only left with the following possibilities.

1. One system is right.
2. Both systems are wrong.

If you have a strange suspicion that the second answer is more correct, then it is suggested that you read on.

Continue reading “30. Passover – Exodus Interrogated I” →

29. Passover – What Now?

So far, this Passover Series has endeavored to lay the groundwork for a much-needed and long-overdue discussion regarding the correct method for observing the Festival of Passover and Unleavened Bread.

What has been lacking from any previous discussions, especially among the various Sacred Name groups of today, is the history of the earliest Christians and their Passover practice during the first few centuries C.E.

One of the reasons for this oversight is the fact that many are not even aware that such a history exists!

To counter the ignorance of historical evidence, this Series has brought the true Passover practice of the Quartodecimans to light, along with the importance of being included as a consideration in the ongoing quest for Yahweh’s truth of the matter.

Continue reading “29. Passover – What Now?” →