The Moon over Passover and Easter

Passover Moon over Belmont, MA 4/7/20

Why do the dates for Passover and Easter change each year?  It's all on account of the moon!

Passover, the holiday commemorating the Hebrews' exodus from slavery in Egypt, begins on the evening of the 15th day of Nisan, the seventh month on the Jewish lunar calendar. Passover begins this year on Wednesday, April 8.

For Jews and Christians alike, it's the moon that determines the dates of the great religious celebrations of Passover and Easter.

Determining the date for Passover:
The Jewish lunar calendar year begins in late September or early October with the celebration of Rosh Hashana.  The new moon marks the beginning of each month with the full moon occurring halfway through the month. The seventh month in a normal Jewish calendar year is the month of Nisan. Passover is celebrated on the 15th day of Nisan at the time of the full moon (this year at 2:35 a.m. on April 8). 
 
Determining the date for Easter (Western Church):
Easter is observed on the first Sunday following the full moon that comes on or after the vernal equinox (March 21). This year's Passover celebration begins on April 8 and concludes on April 15 and this year Easter is celebrated on Sunday, April 12.


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