Yahweh’s Calendar for His Feasts

To observe Yahweh’s Feasts, one must understand His calendar, which begins in spring (March/April). This differs from the modern Jewish calendar which starts in September/October, and the Gregorian calendar, which starts in January.

Think of God’s calendar for His Feasts as similar to a fiscal calendar for taxes, beginning in April, running parallel to the national calendar for everyday use.

The start of the Year

Each year begins in the month when the barley harvest is ripe for reaping, typically March or April, varying based on weather conditions.

Months / Moons

Each month begins when the new moon is first sighted, lasting 29 or 30 days from the previous new moon. Twelve lunar months are shorter than a 365-day solar year, so a leap (13th) month is added every few years to align with the solar cycle.

From the beginning, God provided the Sun and the Moon for his calendar.

The Week and Sabbath

The Hebrew week is seven days long and has been strictly observed since Moses’ time. The seventh day, the Sabbath Day is a 24-hour period when regular work ceases (where feasible) and is dedicated to doing God’s work.

The Day

Unlike our day which starts at midnight the Biblical Day starts at sunset (around 6pm). There are 12 hours of darkness (finishing at 6am) and then 12 hours of light.

In scripture the word ‘day’ can refer to 12 daytime hours starting about 6am (sunrise) or a full 24 hour period starting around 6pm (sunset). The context determines the meaning.  

As an example, in time of Jesus, at the feast of Passover, the Passover lambs were:

• killed at the Temple
• at the 9th hour of the day
• on the 14th day
• of the 1st month (Abib/Nisan)
• when the barley harvest would be ready for reaping