How do you keep Passover?

So many of us coming out of a traditional Church background feel overwhelmed at the idea of transition. There are so many questions. Are we still required to keep the Feast Days? Which Feast Days of Leviticus 23 do we keep? When are the Feast Days, and how are they determined? And what about the Sabbath?

We address all of these questions on our blog, but this post will focus specifically on the Spring Feast of Passover.

What are the rules for Passover? What is forbidden during Passover? And, of course, the big one, what is the proper way to celebrate Passover?

How do I observe the annual High Sabbaths? (Moedim).

There are so many voices offering advice, and many of them seem to conflict with one another. So, let’s sort all this out.

As in all things, the best source is the Word of Yehovah itself.

What is the relationship between Passover and barley?

Let us begin at the beginning, with the Passover, in the Hebrew called Pesach.

Passover is centered on the barley harvest in Israel and that general part of the world – the barley must be aviv in order for the first month to begin. (Exodus 9:31)

Abib or Aviv as some pronounce it is an agricultural term having to do with the degree of ripeness of barley. All grain must be harvested just before it is fully ripe. If it is left standing too long it will be too dry and the grain itself will be lost in the process of harvesting. If it is harvested too early the Yield will be reduced.

The timing of harvest must be accurate and as swift as possible in order to ensure the maximum results. All of this by the way is a representation of revival, the grain symbolizing humanity.

The time of the harvest is determined by the state of the barley crop in and around Israel.

How many months are in the biblical year?

Typically, three out of four biblical years will be twelve months long. Occasionally, the barley will not be ready for harvest at the end of the twelfth. When this happens, a thirteenth month is added to the calendar.

The beginning of the year centers on the barley harvest.

So how do I know the state of the barley harvest in Israel if I’m on the other side of the world?

I suggest that you subscribe to the newsletter from Devorah’s Date Tree. You will find accurate information on the dating of every new calendar year here. All observations are done on-site in Israel. Although we do not agree theologically, I trust the information supplied regarding days, months, and dates to be honest and accurate.

Sign up for Devorah’s Date Tree Newsletter

You will find projected dates for the Passover as well as confirmation of those dates as soon as they are available.

There is also a Devorah’s Date Tree Facebook page that you might enjoy.

You can also check our page Feast Days.

Where is Passover found in the Bible?

When I was first coming to understand the observance of Passover I turned to the utmost authority on the subject – the Word of God.

I read the portions of scripture most applicable to the Passover as I began my celebration. I recommend for anyone who wants to understand Passover to read Exodus 9:1- Exodus 12:51.

If you wish to abbreviate this reading you can get the general gist of it in Exodus 12:1 – 51. However, I strongly recommend a study of the full text. The more you get into the word, the more the word gets into you.

It really is best to read the entire four chapters as it gives the fullest impact of the message of the Passover. I would also like to add that the prophetic implications of the Passover are still relevant today.

Egypt is a symbol of the geopolitical situation that will exist at the time of the second coming. We will be looking for another Exodus just before the return of Yeshua.

I discuss the prophetic aspect of Passover in my book, “The Real Second Coming: The Feast Days, the Crucifixion, and the Second Coming of Messiah” if you want to explore that as well.

So, I know when Passover will occur, how do I observe it?

The Passover meal is not as complex and difficult as some may have you think. The meal itself doesn’t need to be all that complicated. I would stick to those things described in the scriptures. I would avoid man-made traditions or additions of any kind regardless of the source or their claims.

Scripture describes a simple meal of lamb or goat along with bread baked without leaven (unleavened bread) and bitter herbs.

The discussion as to the identity of the bitter herbs seems to have been going on forever. My opinion is that anything distasteful will do as this item is meant to point out the difficulties, sorrows, and struggles of this present life.

Bitter herbs may include:

• Horseradish
• Chicory
• Lettuce
• Kale
• Mustard
• Wasabi
• Herbs
  • Bitter melon
  • Burdock root
  • Mile thistle
  • Feverfew
• Arugula

I personally do not object to the addition of other food items as long as they are not given special significance.

Many people, especially those of a Rabbinic background, have made such additions and given them special meanings that are outside of what can be found in the scriptures.

How do I observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread?

The Feast of Unleavened Bread (Chag HaMatzot) immediately follows Passover. In fact, the Passover dinner marks the beginning of the feast and is a High Sabbath. It is seven days long, culminating with another High Sabbath.

At Torah Observant Apostolics, we observe this feast as well by abstaining from any foods that contain a leavening agent.

There are some who believe that since the Passover has been realized in both Moses and Yeshua, all of its meaning is now spiritual and does not adhere to certain portions of the Passover week, namely the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

Given that we believe the Passover week still holds prophetic significance, we attempt to carry out every detail that we possibly can.

Let me give you an example. We live in a very urban environment. It would be rather difficult to determine that the lamb we are using is a male of the first year without blemish as prescribed in scripture.

However, we can make sure we do not have leaven in our home during that period and that we eat some unleavened bread daily. Why does that even matter?

It’s an object lesson. It causes people to ask why. It provides an opportunity to teach in greater depth and detail.

We literally go through our home and remove all leavened items. I suggest you do the same. If you do not, I guarantee you that three days into the feast you will find yourself with a prohibited item in your hand.

What are the forbidden foods on Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread? Bread that contains any leavening such as yeast or baking powder. This can include:

• Bread
• Sourdough bread
• Crackers
• Cookies
• Cake
• Donuts
• “Flatbread” (not the same as unleavened bread)
• Pita bread
• Pizza
• Pretzels

The feast of unleavened bread is a seven-day cycle. Every seven-day cycle is a reminder of the second coming.

Though life may be difficult at times there will come a day when all the struggles of this life will be complete, and the hardships will give way to eternal joy. That is what all of the Sabbaths remind us of.

The first day (Passover) is a High Sabbath and the last day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread is also a High Sabbath. They should be treated as you would treat the weekly Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11)

This has been a very basic attempt to guide you in your first observance of the Passover. Relax, enjoy yourself. Reflect on the fact that the God of creation was willing to be broken for you and me, to become our Passover.

The simplest attempt is the greatest response we can make to his boundless grace and love.

Do you have any Passover traditions that make this time special for you and your family? Do you have any Passover recipes you’d like to share? We’d love to hear about them! Tell us about them in the comments below.

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