Pesach Sheni: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Pesach Sheni (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Pesach Sheni is celebrated on May 4th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Pesach Sheni, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as important facts you might want to know about Pesach Sheni.

📅 What day is Pesach Sheni 2024?

In 2024, Pesach Sheni is on Thursday, May 4th. It is the 1st Thursday in May; in 2024, it is Saturday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all fascinating details and facts about May 4, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Pesach Sheni is a Jewish holiday observed on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar, which falls one month after the 14th day of Nisan. This is the day before Passover when the paschal lamb was traditionally selected as a sacrifice. This year, Pesach Sheni will be celebrated on May 4th. The significance of Pesach Sheni is that it provides an opportunity for individuals who were unable to observe Passover on its usual date to have a second chance to celebrate and fulfill the holiday’s rituals.

📜 Pesach Sheni History

At that time, certain individuals were considered ritually unclean and were unable to participate in the Passover. These individuals were concerned about missing the opportunity to reconcile with God, so they sought guidance from Moses and Aaron. Moses and Aaron provided instructions on how they could still fulfill their spiritual obligations. People who were deemed unclean or unable to travel to Jerusalem, where the Passover was held, were given a “second chance.” They were allowed to celebrate Passover on 14 Iyar, which was one month later.

Since the Second Temple was no longer standing, Pesach Sheni has only been observed symbolically. To commemorate this event, a symbolic act of eating a piece of unleavened bread, known as “matzah,” is performed. During this occasion, people also mourn and pay tribute to their deceased family members by making donations to organizations that create meaningful memorials, such as hospitals, hospices, synagogues, or charities.

✅ Pesach Sheni Facts

🔖 There are many Jews
It was estimated that by the year 2020, the number of Jewish individuals worldwide would exceed 7.5 million.

🔖 U.S. Jews are not too religious
American adults view Jews as being less religious compared to other religious groups in the United States.

🔖 There are Jews in the U.S.
Approximately 2.4% of adults in the United States are Jewish.

👍 Why Is Pesach Sheni Important

The festival is a long-standing Jewish custom. It contributes to the preservation of the religion and its teachings.

During the holiday, prayers and sermons are held. They educate the next generation about Jewish history and traditional practices.

Donations are welcome over the Christmas season. Giving to others contributes to a better society.

🙂 How To Observe Pesach Sheni

⚡ Learn more about Judaism

⚡ Eat matzah
During the holiday, it is traditional to eat a small piece of “matzah.” Another way to observe this custom is by not including the “Tachanun,” or “supplication prayer,” in the prayer gathering.

⚡ Go to the synagogue
Do some study on the Jewish religion. Discover the beliefs, history, and teachings of the Jewish people.

📅 When is Pesach Sheni?

See all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Religious and other 🔗 Historical holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Pesach Sheni. So be sure to check back soon.