Barley Inspection Analysis: 13 March 5786/2026
Why the Second Pesach for this year

Why the Second Pesach for 5786/2026 introduction:

Shalom. For those following the latest barley reports and asking questions about this year’s Rosh HaShanah declaration, we understand the concerns and confusion. Again, Nazarene Israel has confirmed that 19 February (and the evening prior) begin the first Hebrew month. This reversal is due to very late reports that arrived from Israel, after Rosh Chodesh. Because the reports were not made by the barley inspection groups prior to the start of the month, we were unable to announce Rosh HaShanah at that time. But because we have received reports after the start of the month that verifies aviv barley in at least one location, it is necessary for us to correct the timing for the rest of the year.

We understand the questions and concerns. This year’s situation is not ideal and things have been messy. We see changes happening in the barley groups which leads us to change who we are using for our qualified witness. We also recognize several good things as well as several things that need to be improved upon by the barley witnesses. We have been working to resolve things with the barley witnesses, in hopes that these issues are fixed in the future.

If you have questions concerning the situation this year and the final determinations, we encourage you to watch this barley inspection analysis, “Why the Second Pesach for 5786/2026. In part 1 and part 2, Norman explains the confusion surrounding Rosh HaShanah timing this year, and the current situation with the barley inspection groups. Norman reviews inspection reports made by Sighted Moon and Ancient Path New Moon. He explains in detail the results, the good techniques and techniques that need improved upon, confirms which aviv barley we are able to use for beginning the new year on 19 February (and the evening prior), and why Nazarene Israel has declared a second Pesach for 5786/2026.

Topics:

• Problem with retroactively declaring the year, which causes chaos.
• Ancient Path New Moon inspections (good techniques, theology issues, Talmudic direction).
• Sighted Moon inspections (good effort, good findings, encourage Joe to improve with terminology, timing, and reporting).
• Much more…

Confirmations on fields:

Mash’en: up for discussion/debate, but definitely aviv.
To clarify about the inspection sites, we consider Joe’s sighting at Mash’en questionable ONLY because of multiple heat islands, which dry out the ground, and accelerate the maturation of the barley. HOWEVER, that is not conclusive. While we would reject barley in a controlled environment such as a greenhouse, one CAN still make a VERY strong argument for using wild barley in a limited heat island zone, because Yahweh surely knew that people and cities would exist, altering the environment.

Further, in any case, our approach is to present the very first of the healthy medium dough (wild or domestic) to Yahweh, to clear the way for the rest of the harvest. That way, none of the poor farmers need to hypothetically break Devarim (Deuteronomy) 16:9, or risk losing their crops (and hypothetically having to sell themselves or their families into slavery).

Checkpoint Charlie: verified.
However one feels about the heat island effect at Mash’en, we have no questions about Checkpoint Charlie. While Becca said that she was unable to find aviv barley there in sufficient quantities, Joe’s search team of 14 people found multiple extensive fields with what appears to be late worm and early dough content, with short-sleeve weather, and 11 days to go. Since barley only takes 14 days to go from flowering to modern combine ripe (i.e., hard or “super hard” in Joe’s terminology), that the barley could go from late worm to medium dough is a virtual certainty, unless Yahweh should send a blizzard or something (Elohim forbid). We do NOT consider that “prognostication”.

Further, we consider Becca Biderman’s insinuation that our saying the barley will advance normally from late worm to medium dough in 11 days’ time is “prognostication” (i.e., soothsaying, consulting the spirit realm) to be completely unfounded and unreasonable. Assuming that the barley will advance normally (as Yahweh has designed it), and following the pattern prescribed in Scripture is NOT prognostication—it is trusting Yahweh! (And if Sister Biderman cannot tell the difference, then that is a reflection on her, not us.)

Please pray with us that Joe and his team will declare before Rosh Chodesh in the future, and that they will give GPS coordinates, and use standard terminology, and closeups. However, we are very thankful for their reporting! We also ask for your prayers, as they are currently stranded in Israel, due to the war. Please pray for their safety, and an early return home.

Barley Inspection Analysis: 13 March 5786/2026

To know the situation with the barley witnesses and inspections, watch:

Feasts of Yahweh:

This year’s feast schedules are available below. If you observed 19 February 5786/2026 as Rosh HaShanah, please follow the first Pesach schedule as normal (see printable PDF link below). Nazarene Israel was not unable to keep the first Pesach this year due to the incomplete barley reports. If you are also keeping the Second Pesach, please follow this schedule. As always, the dates for the Feasts of the 7th Hebrew month could possibly change by a day or two, depending on the confirmation of the beginning of the 7th month. Confirmation of the 7th month feasts will be made at that time.

Printable PDF- 1st Pesach schedule

Printable PDF- 2nd Pesach schedule

Shalom!

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