*Since so many of our people range in terms of when they celebrate Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we will continue to work to help those who celebrate these High Holy Days until the 18th of April   Clarifying the Two Feasts As Hebrew Israelites, we are commanded to observe two significant feasts in Scripture: Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Though these two observances are closely related, they are distinct in meaning, timing, and rituals. Many people confuse the two, thinking they’re the same event, but understanding the biblical difference is crucial to keeping them properly. In this article, we will break down the differences between the two feasts, their significance in the Bible, and how Hebrew Israelites celebrate them. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of why both are essential for your walk with YAHUAH and His Son, Yahushua Ha’Mashiach. (See our book, Hebrew Israelite Biblical Feast Days: What They Are And How We Celebrate Them) What is Passover? The Biblical Foundation of Passover Passover originates from Exodus 12:1-14, where YAHUAH gave the Israelites the command to prepare for their deliverance from Egypt. He instructed them to slaughter a lamb, smear its blood on the doorposts, and eat the flesh with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. The blood of the lamb was a sign for the destroyer to pass over their homes during the final plague, the death of the firstborn in Egypt. The lamb’s blood represented YAHUAH’s protection and deliverance from judgment. This event marked the beginning of Israel’s freedom from Egyptian slavery, and it is the foundation of the Passover observance. Passover is a memorial feast, not only remembering what YAHUAH did for Israel in Egypt but also foreshadowing Yahushua Ha’Mashiach, our Passover Lamb, who was slain to deliver us from sin and eternal death (1 Corinthians 5:7). (See our book, Knowing the Father and the Son: Those who seek the truth will find it.) Passover Rituals and Traditions During Passover, Hebrew Israelites observe several key rituals: Sacrificial Lamb: In biblical times, a lamb was sacrificed, and its blood was placed on the doorposts. Today, while the sacrificial lamb is not part of the observance, Yahushua’s sacrifice is remembered and honored as the ultimate fulfillment of this symbol. The Meal: The meal is a central part of the Passover observance. It includes unleavened bread, bitter herbs, and wine, which represent the affliction of Egypt and the bitterness of sin, as well as the deliverance and salvation through YAHUAH. Spiritual Meaning: For Hebrew Israelites, Passover is a reminder of YAHUAH’s grace, the blood of the Lamb that covers us, and the deliverance from sin and bondage. (See our book, Passover: Mysteries Revealed) What is the Feast of Unleavened Bread? The Biblical Foundation of the Feast of Unleavened Bread The Feast of Unleavened Bread is closely tied to the Passover but is a separate celebration. In Exodus 12:15-20, YAHUAH commands that after the Passover, the Israelites are to eat unleavened bread for seven days. The removal of leaven from their homes is a key element of the feast. Leaven represents sin, and by eating unleavened bread, they were to be symbolically free from corruption and impurity. For Hebrew Israelites today, this feast represents spiritual purity and obedience to YAHUAH’s commands. The act of removing leaven from our homes is a physical act that reflects a deeper spiritual cleansing. (See our book, Hebrew Israelite Biblical Feast Days: What They Are And How We Celebrate Them) Unleavened Bread Rituals and Traditions The observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread includes: Removal of Leaven: Before the feast begins, Hebrew Israelites clean their homes, making sure that all leaven is removed. This symbolizes the removal of sin from our hearts and lives. Eating Unleavened Bread: For seven days, unleavened bread is eaten, representing purity and righteousness. During this time, the focus is on spiritual detoxification. Spiritual Reflection: Hebrew Israelites often spend time in prayer, fasting, and reflection during this week. It is a time to focus on self-examination, repentance, and renewing the covenant with YAHUAH. (See our book, Baptism Unto Remembrance: Sin-Atonement-Repentance) Key Differences Between Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread Timing and Duration One of the key differences between these two feasts is timing: Passover is observed on the 14th day of the first month of the Hebrew calendar, and it is a one-day observance (Exodus 12:14). The Feast of Unleavened Bread begins immediately after Passover, on the 15th day, and lasts for seven days (Exodus 12:15-20). Both are important, but the Feast of Unleavened Bread is an extended period of spiritual reflection and purification. The Focus of the Feasts Passover focuses on the sacrifice of the lamb, the blood that saves, and deliverance from bondage (Exodus 12:13, 1 Corinthians 5:7). The Feast of Unleavened Bread focuses on removal of sin, spiritual purification, and sanctification. It’s a time to cleanse our lives from the “leaven” of sin (1 Corinthians 5:8). Spiritual Significance Passover is the historical event of redemption and a prophetic fulfillment through Yahushua Ha’Mashiach. The Feast of Unleavened Bread is a time for spiritual detoxification, repentance, and spiritual renewal. How They Complement Each Other Both feasts are connected—they represent the journey of salvation. Passover signifies YAHUAH’s salvation, and the Feast of Unleavened Bread represents the ongoing process of sanctification. Together, they teach us to walk in obedience and truth, focusing on both deliverance from sin and spiritual growth. (See our book, The Path: Of Righteousness) Embracing the Fullness of These Appointed Times Understanding the distinction between the Feast of Unleavened Bread and Passover is essential for those walking in faith. The two feasts complement each other, highlighting both YAHUAH’s salvation and the need for spiritual renewal. As Hebrew Israelites, let’s keep both feasts with reverence, allowing them to transform our hearts and draw us closer to our Heavenly Father. (See our book, The Chosen Seed: Predestination) If you would like to have more information about our beliefs please check out our books: