How is the Sighting of the New Moon Relevant to Determining Passover Dates
The Jewish holiday of Passover commemorates the release of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. Determining the exact days of Passover is a crucial aspect of the holiday, and it is closely linked to the new moon sighting. The significance of the new moon's sighting in determining Passover dates on the Jewish calendar is explored in this article.
The Lunar Calendar in Judaism
Unlike the solar calendar that is widely utilized in the West, Judaism uses a lunar calendar. The Jewish calendar is based on the phases of the moon, as opposed to the Gregorian calendar, which is based on Earth's orbit around the sun. The new moon, which marks the start of a new lunar cycle and represents rejuvenation, is seen at the beginning of each month.
The New Moon as a Symbol
Jewish tradition a...