The Jewish Calendar

The Bible introduced a calendar with festivals and holidays occurring throughout the year, at God’s appointed times. This calendar is still in use today and operates according to both the solar and lunar cycles. It is distinct from the secular, or Gregorian calendar.

At the foundation of the Jewish year lies the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, “the Head of the Year,” a momentous day marking the creation of Adam and Eve. The Jewish year reflects the number of years elapsed since this biblical genesis.

The Jewish calendar operates within a unique lunar-solar hybrid system, intertwining lunar months with solar years. A standard Jewish year comprises twelve months – six with 29 days and six with 30, totaling 354 days. Due to variations, the year may extend to 353 or 355 days. The intricacies of this system are evident in the concept of leap years, crucial for aligning the biblical festivals with their proper agricultural seasons. For example, Passover must be celebrated during the spring season, and leap months are added to the calendar to ensure this occurs.

This intricate dance of lunar months and solar years, while complex, exemplifies the precision and accuracy inherent in the Jewish calendar – a profound reflection of the commitment to harmonize time with divine rhythms.