In Yeshua’s time, Rosh HaShanah was declared when the first crescent sliver of the new moon was seen from the land of Israel (by natural eye), and the first full omer of aviv barley firstfruits (symbolic of Yeshua) would be ready 15-21 days later. Then, six months later, the feast dates for the seventh month are finalized based on the sighting of the new moon of the 7th month.

UPDATE! 8 March 2026: The new moon was seen from Israel on the evening of 18 February. At that time, no barley group reported any aviv barley in the Land of Israel, so we declared a 12th month. On 5 March we received information from Sighted Moons which requires us to reverse the previous decision, and to declare the next new moon (expected on 20 March) as the second Hebrew month.  NI will be keeping a Second Pesach this year. (Dates are dependent upon new month confirmation.) Please see post for full details.