It’s a Jewish holiday that almost nobody remembers … I usually am reminded about it in shul at morning minyan when I am pleasantly surprised that we don’t say tachanun that day!

I’m speaking of Pesach Sheini, translated as “Second Passover,” which is a lesser-known Jewish holiday that falls on the 14th of Iyar, exactly one month after the eve of Pesach.

The holiday is mentioned in the Torah (Bamidbar 9:1–14). During the first year after the Jews left Egypt, certain individuals were unable to bring the Passover sacrifice because they were ritually impure. They approached Moshe and Aaron, asking why they should miss out. God responded by instituting a second opportunity — Pesach Sheini — for those who had been impure or who were far away at the time of the original offering. And while it’s true that most people pretty much ignore the holiday today, we can learn some very profound lessons from Pesach Sheini, even though we don’t offer sacrifices anymore.

First and foremost, Pesach Sheini symbolizes the idea that it’s never too late to make up for missed opportunities. In a world where people often feel like they have lost their chance — whether it’s religiously, personally or professionally — Pesach Sheini reminds us that it’s never too late. You don’t keep Shabbat anymore? You’re just learning about Judaism now? You’ve drifted away from Yiddishkeit? Pesach Sheini teaches us that you can still show up. There’s still another way to connect, contribute and grow. Not surprisingly, the Lubavitcher Rebbe often emphasized the lesson of Pesach Sheini in his outreach efforts.

Second, Pesach Sheini exists only because a group of ritually impure individuals said, “Why should we be left out?” That bold declaration was the impetus that sparked divine change. Today, this is a powerful reminder that you can advocate for yourself. In Judaism, you are allowed and even encouraged to question respectfully. Your voice matters — even in a larger spiritual or communal setting.

Third, the fact that the Jewish community accommodated people who were “far away or impure” resonates in modern conversations about accessibility, inclusion and diversity in Jewish life. Pesach Sheini teaches us that it’s never a good idea to establish barriers to holiness. We need to make space for people, wherever they might be in life.

Fourth, Pesach Sheini teaches us to judge others more favorably. It’s a gentle reminder that someone who might be “absent” at a certain period of life may just be on a different timeline. Maybe they missed the first Pesach, but they might show up for the second.

Pesach Sheini teaches us the important lessons of compassion and patience — with others and with ourselves. For those who might be recovering from a tough time, coming back from a loss, or trying to rebuild their faith after a personal crisis, Pesach Sheini teaches us that redemption is not a one-time opportunity. The door stays open.

The baal teshuva movement is a prime modern-day example of Pesach Sheini in action. Many outreach groups like Chabad, Aish and MJE that target unaffiliated Jews or those returning to observance frame their work in Pesach Sheini terms. “You missed out the first time? No problem …we want to provide you with a second chance.” These programs that attempt to re engage people also embody the sensitivity of Pesach Sheini. “We know you might have been through some tough times. When you are ready, we are here.”

Another modern-day Pesach Sheini example is the highly successful and extremely popular Birthright Israel program. Although most of our Orthodox youngsters have been able to travel to Israel with their families and/or spend a gap year in Israel after high school, many Jewish young adults have never experienced Israel firsthand. Birthright Israel provides college students and post-college 20-somethings a chance to explore their Jewish identity with the help of a free trip to Israel. “You couldn’t spend a year in Israel when you were 18? You still have an opportunity to experience Israel and reconnect with your Jewish heritage.” Pesach Sheini in a nutshell!

Yachad and the Friendship Circle sponsor programs for individuals with special needs, who may have been excluded from participating in programs in which their peers were involved. The message conveyed to them — and to all of us — is that those who might have a disability are not too different from their peers and that they haven’t missed out on their opportunity.

Pesach Sheini teaches us about infinite returns, reopened doors, and the important Jewish value that our journeys don’t need to be linear. In fact, they rarely are.

Michael Feldstein, who lives in Stamford, is the author of “Meet Me in the Middle” (meet-me-in-the-middle-book.com), a collection of essays on contemporary Jewish life. He can be reached at michaelgfeldstein@gmail.com.