| Ivo Janssen ( |
Christianity states that the crucifixion happened during Passover (Luke 22:14-20). Passover itself is related to the Exodus to Egypt. The Jewish Passover will only be in April this year, because Nissan 14 5678 falls on April 19 2008.
See, the Jewish month starts with a new moon after the equinox (month of Nissan) and Passover starts 14 days later. Typically, the first full moon after the equinox equals 14 days after the first new moon after the equinox, but not always. Oh, and the new moon date is the new moon in Jerusalem, not the "astronomical new moon date", so that differs a few hours, making the whole calendar shift a month sometimes as well.
And then there's the Jehova's Witnesses, who keep with the bible and always celebrate the Last Support on Nissan 14 as per the bible passage in Luke. Which means it's typically around Passover, not Easter. But this year, the Memorial falls on March 22 anyway.
See, the Jewish month starts with a new moon after the equinox (month of Nissan) and Passover starts 14 days later. Typically, the first full moon after the equinox equals 14 days after the first new moon after the equinox, but not always. Oh, and the new moon date is the new moon in Jerusalem, not the "astronomical new moon date", so that differs a few hours, making the whole calendar shift a month sometimes as well.
And then there's the Jehova's Witnesses, who keep with the bible and always celebrate the Last Support on Nissan 14 as per the bible passage in Luke. Which means it's typically around Passover, not Easter. But this year, the Memorial falls on March 22 anyway.