So the Jews are not celebrating Purim until next month. But the Book of Esther clearly states Purim is to be on the 14th and 15th days of the 12th Hebrew Month (Adar) which fall tomorrow and Tuesday, 2/22/16-2/23/16. So, what in the world is going on?

Because the feast days were so early this year, the Hebrew calendar has to adjust itself by adding a 13th month before the next year can begin, in order to keep Passover and Sukkot in their appropriate seasons. Without a 13th month, Sukkot would happen in the summer, well before the fruits have ripened and been harvested in Israel.

Normally the Jews would follow scripture and keep Purim when Yah instructed Esther and Mordechai to hold it, in the month of Adar. However, in a year where there are 13 months, the Jews will shift Purim to the 14th and 15th days of the 13th month, because they believe Purim should always be 30 days before Passover.

Unfortunately, this is not what the scripture instructs. No where does Purim have to occur 30 days before Passover, even though that is the typical pattern in a normal 12 month year. However, the scriptures are clear Purim is to be celebrated on the 14th and 15th days of the 12th month.

We have another instance of the Jews replacing the scriptural commandments with their own traditions. Make no mistake, Purim starts tonight and goes through Tuesday evening. Waiting until next month is simply not kosher.

Happy Purim 2016 everyone.