Hebrew Month

Iyar

About the Month of Iyar

Iyar is the eight month of the Hebrew year (or the second month when counting from Nissan). Like all Hebrew months, the name Iyar is of Babylonian origin, corresponding to the constellation of the Ox (Taurus), visible in the night sky during this lunar month. Iyar usually overlaps the solar months of April and May.

Iyar’s original name is Ziv, which can be translated as “shine,” “radiance,” or “glow,” as seen in the Bible:

“In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites left the land of Egypt, in the month of Ziv—that is, the second month.” (I Kings, 6:1)

Tribe of Iyar

Issachar Tribe Symbol

The Tribe of Issachar

Issachar was a scholar, dedicated to study and education. Scholarship is important not only for the scholar, but for everyone as the scholar is able to provide others with direction and clarity. While he sat and studied, he was supported by his brother Zebulon.

Stone of the Month of Iyar

Sappir

Iyar’s stone in the High Priest’s breastplate is the Sappir (Sapphire)

Holidays in Iyar

Iyar 4

Yom Hazikaron

Israel’s Memorial Day
Iyar 5

Yom Haatzmaut

Israel’s Independence Day
Iyar 28

Yom Yerushalayim

Jerusalem Day

Notable Dates in Iyar

10 Iyar

2870/2871 BCE
Death of Eli the High Priest and his two sons

28 Iyar

1012 BCE
Death of Samuel the Prophet. Many visit his tomb at Ramah, north of Jerusalem.

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