This morning I was reading Exodus 12.1-14 when something dawned on me for the first time. In Exodus 12.2, as instructions are being given to Moses and Aaron regarding the first Passover/Pesach, it’s stated, ‘This month shall mark for you the beginning of months (רֹ֣אשׁ חֳדָשִׁ֑ים); it shall be the first month of the year for you.’ This seems to be instructing Israel to celebrate the New Year at Pesach but the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, doesn’t coincide with Pesach.
I googled ‘Why isn’t Passover on Rosh Hashanah?’ and the first result, an article written by Michele Alperin for ‘My Jewish Learning’ is helpful: ‘How Rosh Hashanah Became New Year’s Day’. I won’t repeat what the article says. If you’re interested, feel free to read Alperin’s thoughts directly. On the other hand, if you know of another article worth reading, feel free to leave it in the comments.
LePort 