Pesach Sheni

Eligibility

As described in Numbers 9:9–13, a Jew may bring the Korban Pesach on Pesach Sheni if s/he was ritually impure due to contact with a dead body or was on a "distant journey". As elucidated in Mishnah Pesahim (9:1–4)^[4] and its Gemara:^[5]

• The definition of "distant journey" for this purpose is generally construed liberally.
• All types of ritual impurity are generally included, not only those due to contact with a human body.

In net effect, anyone unavoidably prevented from offering the Korban Pesach on Passover may do so on Pesach Sheni provided that most of the nation were pure and brought on the first Passover. However one may not intentionally defer the Korban Pesach if it is in his/her power to offer it on Passover.

Similarities and differences compared to Passover

The Mishnah (9:3)^[4] and Gemara^[6] outline the following similarities and differences in the laws of the Korban Pesach when it is offered on Pesach Sheni, compared to when it is offered on Passover:

Same:

• The particulars of the sacrifice itself—what animals can be used, that it must be roasted, that it must be eaten together with matzo and bitter herbs, that its bones cannot be broken, that it is eaten until midnight, that any leftovers must be burned.
• Hallel is recited during its offering, offering overrides Shabbat prohibitions, only those previously "registered" prior to slaughter may partake.

Different:

• The only restriction concerning chametz (leavened food) is that it cannot be eaten with the Korban Pesach. It is otherwise permissible to own it, and to see it in plain sunlight, unlike on Passover.
• More generally, the full seven-day Ḥag haMatzot (Festival of Unleavened Bread)—the holiday now commonly referred to as Passover—is not observed in conjunction with Pesach Sheni.
• Hallel is not recited at the meal when the Korban Pesach is consumed, unlike on Passover.
• Rabbi Moses Sofer was of the opinion that unlike Korban Pesach proper, which was slaughtered after the Korban Tamid (the bidaily diurnal offering), Korban Pesach Sheni was slaughtered before the Tamid.^[7] His opinion is in contrast with what is written in the Tosafot, which asserts that Pesach Sheni is likewise slaughtered after the Tamid.^[8]

In Hasidism

Pesach Sheni is relatively prominent in Chabad as well as in Hasidic thought. One theme commonly expressed for this holiday is second chances.^[9][13][14] In several Hasidic groups, the rebbe conducts a tish on Pesach Sheni.

The Rebbes of Nadvorna and related groups conduct a tish with four cups of wine, matza and maror, in the manner of a seder.^[15][16]

LGBT

Starting in 2009, several religious organizations dedicated to promoting tolerance and social pluralism among the LGBT community began to recognize the Pesach Sheni as a day of religious tolerance. Consistent with the theme of Pesach Sheni as a second chance at acceptance, several organizations organize events in schools, homes, and religious seminaries where a religious member of the LBGT community will speak and share their experience.^[17]