Karaite Korner Newsletter #548

Aviv Found in Northern Negev!

We found two fields of Aviv barley in the northern Negev at Bit'cha and Gama Junction. This means the next new moon expected on March 23 will be the beginning of the new biblical year and Chag HaMatzot (Feast of Unleavened Bread) will begin two weeks later at sunset on April 6. However, visibility of the new moon from Israel is uncertain for March 23. If it is not seen that night the new biblical month will begin Saturday night March 24 and Chag HaMatzot will begin at sunset on April 7.

Photos of the Aviv barley are posted at:
https://www.facebook.com/NehemiaGordon

Nehemia Gordon
Jerusalem, Israel