2026 Matzah Musings - Messiah in Passover

The Matzah in My Heart

Finding Healing in the "Crushed" Places

It is Nisan and the season of Niskipesim (the Goose Moon), a time when the earth stirs and we prepare our hearts for Passover. To be honest, I have been feeling "crushed" lately. Lupus has been a significant struggle, and some days even the simplest tasks feel like a mountain to climb. Despite my efforts, I have also not yet found matzah that fits my budget.

The Matzah in My Heart: Seeking Healing

Matzah is a vital part of the Passover meal Yeshua shared with His disciples. When we look at it, we see symbols of His sacrifice—His body broken for us. I have been reflecting on the accuracy of scripture translations regarding this sacrifice, specifically Isaiah 53:5.

Isaiah 53:5 NIV [5] But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. https://bible.com/bible/111/isa.53.5.NIV

A Picture of the Pierced One

Norman L. Bliss, in his book, The Dead Sea Scrolls of Isaiah:Day of the Lord notes remarkable that the Dead Sea Scrolls, which predate most modern English translation sources by over a thousand years, preserve these prophecies so perfectly. 

The Dead Sea Scrolls of Isaiah:Day of the Lord - Click to Read Sample

The Hebrew words used in these ancient texts paint an even more graphic picture of the crucifixion:

• Pierced (Mecholal - מְחֹלָל): While often translated as "pierced," the root chalal literally means to be bored through or to defile something holy. It emphasizes the nails driven into the Messiah much more than any English word.
• Crushed (Medukka - מְדֻכָּא): This signifies being shattered or beaten small, conveying intense physical and emotional pulverization.
• Wounds/Stripes (Chabburah - חֲבֻרָתֹו): This refers to a bruise or welt from a blow. Interestingly, the root chabar also means to bind together—a poetic reminder that His wounds bind us back together.
• Peace (Shalom - שְׁלוֹמֵנוּ): This is total wholeness, health, and restoration.

Bread for the Humble

Matzah naturally develops dark, burnt lines as it bakes, resembling a back that has been scourged. Even without the physical bread in my hand today, I am reminded that matzah is the "bread of affliction"—bread for those who are struggling or tired.

Yeshua was "crushed" (medukka) so that we could be mended (rapha). Today, I am letting Him bind up my broken places and serve as my provider.

Chodesh Tov—may your month be filled with His healing presence.

~ Su

2026 Passover Preparations - My Matzah Lament

The Great Matzah Hunt: A Seder Reflection

Reflecting on Day 5 of the "Ten Ways to Find Messiah in the Passover" devotional on the YouVersion Bible App.

Passover is a season of deep remembrance, and nothing sits more at the heart of the Seder than the Matzah. This "bread of affliction," thin and pierced, serves as a powerful physical symbol of the nature of the Messiah’s death—broken for us, yet pure and without leaven.

The search is on! As the 2026 Passover season approaches, the "Matzah Hunt" becomes a digital and physical marathon for many families.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Table of Contents

• The Great Matzah Hunt
• Why Matzah is Special
• A Lament for the Missing Matzah
• If You Have the Matzah Hunt Blues (Recipe)

Psalm 55 - Bringing Hope After Shocking Betrayal

Finding Peace in the Midst of Betrayal: A Study of Psalm 55

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services I believe will add value to my readers.

Have you ever been betrayed by a close friend or relative? If so, Psalm 55 may bring you some solace. This ancient "maskil," or teaching song, is rooted in King David’s profound distress following the treachery of those closest to him.

David knew heart wrenching betrayal.

While we often think of modern teaching songs—like Johnny Cash’s "The Wreck of the Old 97" which famously tells listeners to "take warning"—the message in this ancient maskil is more subtle. Just as Cash used a tragic train wreck to deliver a life lesson, David uses his own personal "wreck" of betrayal to point us toward a higher truth that reveals itself fully only at the end.

Table of Contents

• 1. David’s Cry for Help (Psalm 55:1-3)
• 2. Historical Context: A Father’s Heartbreak
• 3. The Desire to Fly Away (Psalm 55:6)
• 4. The Solution: Casting Your Cares (Psalm 55:22)

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1. David’s Cry for Help (Psalm 55:1-3)

David begins this prayer with a poignant plea for God’s attention, expressing how deeply he is troubled by the threats and anger of his enemies.

“Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught because of what my enemy is saying, because of the threats of the wicked; for they bring down suffering on me and assail me in their anger.” (Psalm 55:1-3, NIV)

2. Historical Context: A Father’s Heartbreak

In my own study, I found the historical context particularly striking. While David is well known for his friendship with Jonathan, this Psalm points toward a much more painful betrayal involving his own son, Absalom, and his counselor, Ahithophel.

As detailed in 2 Samuel chapters 15 through 18, Absalom attempted to overthrow his father and recruited Ahithophel—the grandfather of Bathsheba—to assist in the rebellion. This season of David's life concludes tragically in 2 Samuel 18 when his chief commander, Joab, kills Absalom against David's express wishes.

3. The Desire to Fly Away (Psalm 55:6)

“I said, ‘Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.’” (Psalm 55:6, NIV)

Have you ever longed for a way to simply get away from the horror of betrayal? Many who have experienced this pain find themselves identifying with David’s words, sharing his desire for the "wings of a dove" to escape the heartache. Even Yeshua (Jesus) told His disciples that if they were persecuted in one place, they should flee (Matthew 10:23). However, sometimes fleeing is an impossibility.

4. The Solution: Casting Your Cares (Psalm 55:22)

When you cannot flee, or when your pursuers continue to follow you, what can you do? The end of this maskil gives us the ultimate answer:

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22, NIV)

I hope these thoughts provide meaningful context for your own reading of the Scriptures.

Have a blessed day,
Sister Su

2026 Nisan - Happy New Year!

The Budding Season: Discovering the Creator’s New Year in Nisan

Tansi, everyone! As a teacher, I spent my life following bells and semesters, but lately, the Creator has been showing me a different kind of rhythm—His own. It’s like finding a lost trail in the bush that leads exactly where you need to go. From the time I was young, I felt that something was off with the calendar we used; it never quite matched the spirit of the land or the truth in my heart.

For so long, I followed the calendar on the wall as the standard, but I’ve been diving into the "First Month" mentioned in the Good Book, and my heart is just full of excitement. It turns out the New Year isn't in the middle of a frozen January; it’s right now, when the geese come back and the pussy willows start to bud. This month is called Nisan, and it’s a beautiful reminder that our Creator is a Master of new beginnings and miraculous rescues - like the Resurrection of Our Messiah!

The pussy willows are budding and the geese are returning—welcoming the Creator’s New Year as we find stillness in the midst of the struggle.

Table of Contents

1. The Start of the Biblical Year
2. Celebrating the New Year
3. The Passion Week Timeline
4. A Month of Miracles: Other Important Dates
5. Judah: The Tribe of Praise
6. The Great Spring Clean: Finding Peace in the Weakness
7. Sources
8. About the Author

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The Start of the Biblical Year

On the Gregorian calendar, we’re well into the year by March. However, in the Torah, the Creator tells Moses, "This month [Nisan] shall be for you the beginning of months" (Exodus 12:2). It’s also called Chodesh HaAviv, the month of spring. For a Métis soul, this makes so much sense. We’ve always watched the "Goose Moon" (Niskipesim) to know when life is stirring again. It’s the time when the "buds" (nitzan) appear, which is actually where the name Nisan comes from.

Torah-orientated believers have been following this calendar ordained by the Creator for centuries. One handy place to see how the Creator’s calendar aligns with dates in the man-made Gregorian calendar is Hebcal. In 2026, Rosh Chodesh Nisan (the New Moon) begins at sundown on Wednesday, March 18, and ends at nightfall on Thursday, March 19.

Celebrating the New Year

Because Nisan 1 is the New Year for Kings and Festivals, it is a time of great joy! Traditionally, the month is ushered in with the Blessing of the New Moon (Kiddush Levanah). One of the most beautiful ways to celebrate this season is through the Blessing of the Trees (Birkat HaIlanot). When you see the first blossoms on a fruit tree, there is a special prayer thanking the Creator for creating "goodly trees and goodly creatures" for us to enjoy.

It is also a time of preparation—getting ready to tell the story of our deliverance at the Passover Seder later in the month. Instead of a loud party, this New Year is about a quiet, blossoming hope. A traditional greeting for this month is "Chodesh Tov," which simply means "A good month!"

The Passion Week Timeline: A Journey in the Creator's Rhythm

• Nisan 13: In the morning, the Messiah sent His disciples to prepare a place for them to enjoy the Passover meal together (Luke 22:7-13).
• Nisan 14 (Passover Day):
  • Evening (Start of the day): The Messiah shared the Passover meal (The Last Supper) with His disciples (Matthew 26:20).
  • Morning: Yeshua was crucified.
  • Noon to 3 p.m.: The sky turned black, and at the ninth hour, Yeshua declared, "It is finished!" (John 19:30, Mark 15:33-37).
• Nisan 15 (Feast of Unleavened Bread begins):
  • Evening (Start of the day): This marks the beginning of the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread, a mandated Holy Day and a High Sabbath. Yeshua, our "Bread of Life," was laid in a borrowed tomb in the evening, just as the sun was setting and the Sabbath was about to begin (John 19:31, 42).
• Nisan 16: A day of rest and traditionally the day of the First Fruits offering.
• Nisan 17 (Weekly Sabbath): The weekly seventh-day Sabbath where the Messiah remained in the tomb, fulfilling the sign of Jonah.
• Nisan 18 (First Day of the Week):
  • Morning: The women arrived at the tomb at dawn to discover the stone rolled away and the Messiah risen from the grave (Matthew 28:1-6, John 20:1).

A Month of Miracles: Other Important Dates

Nisan is packed with historical wonders that show the Creator's hand at work:

• Nisan 1: The Tabernacle was inaugurated in the desert. It is also the traditional anniversary of the birth and passing of the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
• Nisan 7: Joshua sent the two spies into Jericho.
• Nisan 10: The anniversary of the passing of Miriam the Prophetess. On this day, the Israelites also crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land.
• Nisan 21: The final day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, traditionally the day the Red Sea split to allow the Israelites to escape Pharaoh's army.
• Nisan 28: The walls of Jericho fell after the Israelites marched around them for seven days.

Judah: The Tribe of Praise

Each Hebrew month is tucked under the wing of a specific tribe, and Nisan belongs to Judah (Yehuda). The name Judah comes from Yadah, which means to throw out your hands in praise and thanksgiving.

Judah was the leader who went first into the Red Sea before it even parted. As a teacher, I love that—it’s about having the courage to step out in faith before you see the miracle. This month is an invitation for us to lift our hands, even when things look messy, and trust that the Creator is leading the way.

The Great Spring Clean: Finding Peace in the Weakness

Now, I have to be honest with you all—the "Spring Cleaning" part of Nisan is a real struggle for me right now. I’ve been extremely weak for several months because Lupus is kicking my butt. It’s frustrating to see things that need doing—cupboards that need clearing and floors that need a sweep—and simply not have the strength to do them.

Before Passover starts on the 14th, we are supposed to rid our homes of chametz (leaven or yeast). Spiritually, chametz represents "puffing ourselves up" with pride or ego. But practically? It means I am finding crackers and bread products in places they just shouldn't be! I recently wrote about discovering chametz in my freezer, and let me tell you, checking under every chair and floorboard for stray crumbs takes a toll when your energy is low. Some days, my body just says "no."

Finding the rhythm of the Creator’s New Year while leaning on His strength during the difficult days.

I’ve had to learn that the Creator isn't looking for a perfect house; He’s looking for a still heart. When the frustration bubbles up, I keep focusing on Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am the Creator." Even if I can only sweep one small corner today, I am being still in His presence. Getting rid of the "leaven" in my heart—the guilt of not doing enough—is just as important as the physical cleaning. It makes room for the "bread of sincerity," and I’m so ready for that fresh start.

A Call to Joy and Miracles

Friends, Nisan is the month of miracles and new beginnings. I have been so blessed to see many miracles in my life already. If it is the Creator's will, I would certainly appreciate having these Lupus symptoms disappear and my strength renewed. The Good Book promises that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength! Let’s step into this new month with expectancy, looking for the ways the Creator is budding new life in our own stories.

Thanks for popping into my blog and leaving a note in the comments - I cherish every comment I get. Prayers greatly appreciated.

~ Su

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Sources

1. Hebcal Interactive Jewish Calendar
2. Hebcal: Rosh Chodesh Nisan 2026
3. Chabad: The Hebrew Month of Nisan
4. Curt Landry Ministries: Miracles & Redemption in Nisan
5. Aish: The Spiritual Meaning of Nisan
6. The Virtual Museum of Métis History and Culture: Seasonal Cycles
7. Lupus Foundation: Managing Fatigue and Daily Life

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About the Author

Su is a teacher and a Messianic Métis woman who is passionate about reconnecting with the Creator’s original calendar and Holy Days. Through her blog, Turtledove Thoughts, she shares her journey of faith, her love for the land, and the lessons she learns while navigating life with chronic illness. She believes that even in stillness, there is a powerful work of renewal taking place.

Spring 2026 - 5786 Adar Anticipation!

Finding the Rhythm: The Joy of Adar and Ancient Earth Calendars

Are you curious about Adar? Recently I've been diving into the calendar the Creator established centuries ago—the one that sets the stage for the special Holy Days. Right now, we are in the month of Adar, and the more I learn, the more I realize how much this ancient Hebrew system speaks the same language as the traditional First Nations calendars here in North America.

Are you ready for the "Quickening"?

A Calendar of Observation

One of the most striking similarities is that both systems are Lunisolar.