I pulled up something I think may help define what time the evening of the 14th of Nisan occurred.
I think maybe this is our misunderstanding.
The evening of the 14th of Nisan (Passover) refers to the time "between the two evenings," interpreted by historical and Temple records as the afternoon of the 14th, specifically between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. (the ninth to eleventh hours). This period was when the Passover lamb was sacrificed, immediately before sunset.
- Interpretation of "Evening" (14th): While some interpret this as the start of the 14th (sunset), historical records from Josephus and the Talmud confirm that the slaughter occurred in the afternoon, between high noon and sunset, to be roasted and eaten that night.
- Alternative View: Some interpretations, particularly those adhering to Karaites or Sadducees traditions, hold that "between the evenings" refers to the twilight period immediately after sunset at the very beginning of the 14th.
- The Meal: The Passover lamb was eaten during the night of the 14th (running into the 15th), often associated with the early hours (6 p.m. to 2-3 a.m.).
In 2026, the 14th of Nisan begins at sunset on April 2, with the afternoon of the 14th falling on Friday, April 3.