The numbers speak for themselves as global use and reliance on WhatsApp seem to be increasing daily. Such widespread use appears to be an enticement for pranksters who routinely use the app to spread rumors and disinformation. The convenience of the app dwarfed by its ability to get a message around the world in seconds. This makes WhatsApp a new favorite for people who for one reason or another use the forum to spread disinformation and unfounded rumors.

One such rumor that made the rounds in Israel is a report the Chief Rabbinate of Israel miscalculated Pesach, confusing this year with a leap year.

The WhatsApp misinformation stated that in light of the unseasonable stormy rainy weather, the Chief Rabbinate realizes that this year must be observed as a a leap year and Pesach will be observed in another month. As a result of the error Pesach will have to be observed for a second time next month.

While such an announcement may not succeed in duping frum readers, it did find a prominent place in Yediot Achronot’s “Judaism” section.

The bizarre report continues, explaining the Chief Rabbinate Council is meeting to discuss the unprecedented halachic quandary, quoting Rabbi Yaakov Ohr of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel as a source confirming the complexity of the situation.

In an effort to allay anxieties as the message was going viral in Israel, the Chief Rabbinate of Israel on Sunday night 23 Nissan released a message denying the accuracy of the WhatsApp report which appears to be just another prank.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)