Topical Encyclopedia Passover (Pesach): The Passover is one of the most significant feasts in the Jewish calendar, commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. The origins of the Passover are found in Exodus 12, where God instructs Moses and Aaron on the establishment of this feast. The Israelites were to sacrifice a lamb without blemish and mark their doorposts with its blood, so the Lord would "pass over" their homes during the final plague—the death of the firstborn in Egypt (Exodus 12:13). The Passover is celebrated on the 14th day of the first month, Nisan, in the Hebrew calendar. It marks the beginning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which lasts for seven days. During this time, the Israelites were commanded to eat unleavened bread, symbolizing the haste with which they left Egypt (Exodus 12:15-20). In the New Testament, the Passover holds additional significance as it foreshadows the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29). The Last Supper, which Jesus shared with His disciples, was a Passover meal, during which He instituted the Lord's Supper, signifying the new covenant in His blood (Luke 22:19-20). Feast of Unleavened Bread (Chag HaMatzot): Closely linked with Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread begins on the 15th day of Nisan and lasts for seven days. During this period, the Israelites were to remove all leaven from their homes and eat unleavened bread, as a reminder of their hasty departure from Egypt (Exodus 12:17-20). This feast emphasizes purity and separation from sin, as leaven often symbolizes sin in the Bible (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). Feast of Firstfruits (Yom HaBikkurim): The Feast of Firstfruits was celebrated on the day after the Sabbath following Passover. It involved presenting the first sheaf of the barley harvest to the Lord as an offering of thanksgiving (Leviticus 23:9-14). This feast is a symbol of the resurrection of Christ, who is described as the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (1 Corinthians 15:20). Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost): Fifty days after the Feast of Firstfruits, the Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost, was celebrated. It marked the end of the grain harvest and involved offering two loaves of leavened bread made from the new wheat crop (Leviticus 23:15-21). In the New Testament, Pentecost is significant as the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to preach the gospel (Acts 2:1-4). Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah): The Feast of Trumpets, observed on the first day of the seventh month, Tishri, is marked by the blowing of trumpets and a holy convocation (Leviticus 23:23-25). It is a time of reflection and preparation for the Day of Atonement. The trumpet, or shofar, serves as a call to repentance and spiritual awakening. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): The Day of Atonement, occurring on the 10th day of Tishri, is the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar. It is a day of fasting, prayer, and repentance, during which the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:29-34). This day prefigures the ultimate atonement made by Christ, our High Priest, who entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all (Hebrews 9:11-12). Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): The Feast of Tabernacles, or Booths, begins on the 15th day of Tishri and lasts for seven days. It commemorates the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, living in temporary shelters (Leviticus 23:33-43). This feast is a time of rejoicing and thanksgiving for the harvest and God's provision. In the New Testament, it points to the future dwelling of God with His people (Revelation 21:3). Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah): Though not one of the original feasts commanded in the Torah, the Feast of Dedication, or Hanukkah, is mentioned in the New Testament (John 10:22). It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following its desecration by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days, beginning on the 25th of Kislev, and is marked by the lighting of the menorah. These feasts, rich in historical and spiritual significance, serve as reminders of God's faithfulness, provision, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Subtopics Passover: Christ Called "Our Passover" Passover: Jesus Crucified at the Time of Passover: Jesus in the Temple Courtyard at the Time of Passover: Observation of, Renewed by Hezekiah Passover: Observation of, Renewed by Josiah Passover: Observation of, Renewed by the Israelites Upon Entering Canaan Passover: Observation of, Renewed: After the Return from Babylonian Captivity Passover: Observed at the Place Designated by God Passover: Observed With Unleavened Bread (No Yeast) Passover: Penalty for Neglecting to Observe Passover: Peter Imprisoned at the Time of Passover: Prisoner Released At, by the Romans Passover: Re-Instituted by Ezekiel Passover: Strangers Authorized to Celebrate Passover: The Lamb Killed by Levites, for Those Who Were Ceremonially Unclean Passover: The Lamb of, a Type of Christ Passover: The Lord's Supper Ordained At Related Terms |