The second part of April commences the month Iyyar/Zif. It will be the second (2nd) month of the Biblical Sacred Calendar and the ninth (9th) month of the Biblical Jewish Calendar. April is the fourth (4th) month of the Gregorian calendar. This year the month of Zif will be from 20th April to 17 May 2015. ‘Zif’ – a term from an unused Hebrew root word meaning: Prominent, Brightness, Splendour, Comeliness and Cheerfulness marking the season when the sun shines the Spring season is well on its course to the coming summer months.

The derivation of the Latin name “Aprilis” for April is uncertain. Conventionally, the etymology is from the Latin word “Aperire” meaning “to open” in relation to it being the season when trees and flowers begin to “open”. In the northern hemisphere vegetation continues to bud (open out) and blossom, new life continues to spring forth. It is the time for restoration of life and resurrection from a long hibernation after the cold, and harsh, just-ended winter months.

This is the season of release of the latter rain that culminates in establishment, preservation and progress signifying fruitfulness and hope as new life begins; bringing about a change for the better. In the southern hemisphere it is rather the gates of the autumn season when creation begins to prepare for the coming winter.

Nisan, the first sacred month which commenced on March 20th will continue during most of April until 19th and it is during this period that the first set of the Feasts of the LORD will occur.  The Pesach/Passover, Chag haMatzoh – CH’’M /Feast of Unleavened Bread and Yom HaBikkurim/Feast of First Fruits will occur during this month:

• 14 Nisan, 5775 (3 April 2015)  Ta’anit Bechorot  Erev Pesach- Fast of the firstborn on the eve of Passover – a minor 1 day fast observed by first born males the day before Passover to commemorate the fact that firstborn males in Goshen were passed over during the final plague while the children of Egyptians were slain by the death angel.

• 15-22 5775 (4-11 April 2015) Nisan Pesach I-VIII: the 7-day Chag haMatzoh – CH’’M,  (Feast of Unleavened bread)

• 15-16 Nisan 5775 (April 4-5 2015)  Pesach I &II (Passover Feast)

• 17-20 Nisan 5775 (April 6-9 2015)  Pesach III-VI  Yom HaBikkurim (Feast of First fruits and counting the Omer– 50 days to Pentecost also commences)

• 21-22 Nisan, 5775 (April 10-11) Pesach VII-VIII Passover/Unleavened bread ends

Furthermore the Feasts of 2015 are very significant because there shall occur the third of a rare tetrad i.e. four blood moons during feast days. Blood moons have occurred several times over the centuries, however, only 7 times have they occurred during feast days; thus, they are omens/signs to be considered. This will be the 8th such occurrence – the heavens declare a new season in the heavens.  A fast has been proclaimed during this season. The fast will end on April 4, 2015.