Passover is one of the most momentous festivals in the Jewish calendar. This festival commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from the slavery of the ancient Egyptians. It is celebrated by all the Jews across the globe with immense enthusiasm and magnificence. Passover, also known as Pesach in Hebrew, means ‘to pass over’ or ‘to pass through’. This holiday is also referred to as Chag he-Aviv (the Spring Festival), Chag ha-Matzoth (the Festival of Matzahs) and Zeman Herutenu (the Time of Our Freedom). Preparations for the festival begin days before with removing of the chametz, that is, leaven food which includes bread and other mixture. Passover is a time for family gatherings and feasting. However, the date of Passover varies from year to year. Read on further to know the date of Passover in 2012.
When Is Passover In 2012
Passover begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, the first month of the Hebrew calendar. This date corresponds in the month of March or April as per the Gregorian calendar. Hence, Passover is also considered as a spring festival which begins on the night of the full moon after the Vernal Equinox falling on the 14th day of Nisan. Another tradition followed by the Jews is that the Nisan month would not start until the barley gets ripe. Passover is a seven or eight day holiday wherein the first two and the last two days are regarded as full-fledged holidays, that is, no work is allowed. The four days that fall in between are called Chol Hamoed where work is allowed but with restrictions.
While considering the date of Passover in 2012, the season begins just after sunset or just after nightfall on Friday, April 6. The Jewish law defines nightfall as ‘the end of sunset’. This can occur anytime from 20 minutes to 1 hour depending upon a nation’s geographic latitude and location. For Jews who would be celebrating Passover for seven days, the Pesach season ends on Friday, April 13. While Jews observing Passover for eight days will continue the season till Saturday, April 14. The first two nights of Passover are observed with a special family meal called Seder which means ‘order’ in Hebrew.
Passover 2012 Date: First night of Passover 2012 is Friday, April 6.
