When is Pesach Sheni 2021 and how is the Passover holiday celebrated?
PASSOVER begins today (March 27, 2021) – but the second Passover, Pesach Sheni, begins Sunday, April 25, offering people a second chance to celebrate the great exodus – when Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.
If you want to wish one of your Jewish friends a happy holiday, how do you go about it? Here’s the lowdown.
What is Pesach Sheni?
Pesach Sheni, also known as the “second chance holiday” falls exactly one month after 14 Nisan, the day before Passover.
The date serves as a second opportunity for those who didn’t bring an offering in the weeks before.
Just like the April festival, the Jewish calendar date is celebrated by the eating of matzah, in remembrance of the Passover offering.
When is Pesach Shenin 2021?
The second Passover is from Sunday April 25 to Monday April 26.
It provides an opportunity for those who were unable to participate in the first Passover celebration.
Passover is about two main lessons: social justice and thankfulness.
The festival is named after the literal event of God “passing over” Jewish households after he unleashed 10 plagues on Egypt – because the Pharaoh refused to let the Jewish slaves go free.
Passover begins on the 15th day of Nisan, the first month of the Jewish year, which lands around March or April on the secular calendar.
This holiday is determined by the lunar cycle that Judaism bases its year around.
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How is it celebrated?
Jews will follow a similar ritual to that of the Seder dinner celebrated during the first passover.
Seder customs include telling the story, discussing the story, drinking four cups of wine, eating matza, partaking of symbolic foods placed on the Passover Seder plate, and reclining in celebration of freedom.
The Seder is the most commonly celebrated Jewish ritual, performed by Jews all over the world.