Rabbi Howard Morrison

We are roughly half way through counting the seven weeks of the Omer. These days connect Passover and Shavuot. We are now counting upward anticipating the anniversary of God revealing Torah to the people of Israel. Yet, my greeting for us entering this weekend is Happy Pesach again! Why?

This Sunday, May 15, is the 14th of Iyar. In the Jewish calendar, this Hebrew date is called "Pesach Sheni - A Second Passover."

In the Torah, one who could not bring the Passover offering on time, either because he was in a distance place or was considered  ritually impure, could bring the offering exactly one month later. Thus, the 14th of Iyar is called Pesach Sheni.

Nowadays, we no longer celebrate Pesach as it was observed in ancient times. For us, Pesach Sheni can be interpreted spiritually by validating second chances in personal conduct. There is no statute of limitations in Judaism. The repentance model allows second chances for refining moral and ritual piety.

And so - I wish us all a Happy Passover again this coming Sunday.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison