April is the fourth (4^th) month of the Gregorian calendar. 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, greenery and flowers begin to “bud” or waken. In the northern hemisphere vegetation begins to bud (open out) and blossom, new life springs forth. It is the time for restoration of life after the cold, harsh, just-ended winter months. It is also the time of release of the latter rain that culminates in establishment, preservation and progress signifying fruitfulness and hope as new life begins. In the southern hemisphere it is rather the gates autumn season when creation begins to prepare for the coming winter season.

Since the Biblical Civil year 5776 is a leap year, it has 13 months and Adar II the final month of the Biblical Sacred calendar ended on 11^th April 2016; from 8^th April 2016 we usher in the Biblical Sacred New Year Nisan 5776. It will be the first (1^st) month of the Sacred Year and the eighth (8^th) month of the Biblical Civil year.

When commanding Moses and the Israelites to keep the Passover on the eve of their independence from Egypt, the LORD said to Moses in Exodus 12.1b this will be the beginning of years for you;. Thus it marks the beginning of YHVH’s Sacred calendar year.

Nisan 5776 occurs from 8^th April 2016 to 8^th May 2016. This month will be considered the eighth (8^th) month of the Biblical Civil calendar, the first (1^st) month of the Sacred calendar, and remains the fourth (4^rd) month of the Gregorian calendar. The Passover/Pesach, Feast of Unleavened Bread and Feast of First Fruits/Chag ha Matzoh the first set of three of the seven Feasts of YHVH will be celebrated this month.  The Christian Easter was celebrated last month as Gregorian calendar does not recognize the 13 month leap year that pushed the feasts one month ahead

• April 22^nd 2016/14^th of Nisan, 5776 Ta’anit Bechorot Erev Pesach The eve of the 7-day Feast of Unleavened bread
• April 23-24 2016/15^th-16^th of Nisan, 5776 Pesach I &II
• April 25^th-28^th 2016/17^th-20^th of Nisan, 5776  Pesach III-V (Chag ha Matzoh – CH’’M) First fruits begins (and counting the Omer also commences)
• April 29^th -30^th 2016/ 21-22 Nisan, 5776 Pesach VII-VIII