THE RULE ABOUT THE SECOND DAY OF THE JEWISH HOLIDAYS

Most Reform Jews celebrate Passover for 7 days, whereas Orthodox and Conservative Jews for 8. Why the difference?

One of the greatest calendar changes the Rabbis made in the 3^rd cent. CE was the addition of the “Second Days for the communities outside of Israel.” At the time, it was customary for the rabbinic courts to identify the beginning of the month on the basis of witnesses who saw the new crest. Then, they would light a fire and notify all the surrounding communities. However, the Samaritans, a hostile Jewish sect, were confusing the Jewish people about the start of the month by lighting fires at the wrong time. Thus, the Rabbis decided to add an extra day, so that personal messengers could bring to communities outside of Israel the news about the festivals in time, and the holy days would be celebrated appropriately. Even though modern calendars can easily determine the exact date of the festivals, the custom remained.

Please note that the rule for the Second Day, by definition, does not apply to Jews living in Israel. Also, to apply this rule to Yom Kippur would be too burdensome, simply because this is a day of fasting (see Reform Responsa, III/66).