The Hebrew calendar, also known as the Jewish calendar, is a lunisolar calendar primarily used by Jewish people for religious purposes. It is based on both the lunar cycle and the solar year, with intercalary months added periodically to align the two. The calendar consists of twelve or thirteen months, each with its unique significance and observances. In this article, we will explore the order of months in the Hebrew calendar and delve into the details of each month.
1. Tishrei
Tishrei is the first month of the Hebrew calendar and marks the beginning of the Jewish year. It usually falls in September or October in the Gregorian calendar. Tishrei is a month of significant holidays, including Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles).
2. Cheshvan
Cheshvan is the second month of the Hebrew calendar, occurring in October or November. It is often referred to as “Mar-Cheshvan,” meaning “bitter Cheshvan,” because it is the only month without any major holidays or celebrations. However, it is also seen as a time for personal growth and reflection.
The Jewish Calendar, Explained
3. Kislev
Kislev is the third month in the Hebrew calendar, falling in November or December. It is a month associated with the holiday of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights. Hanukkah commemorates the miracle of the oil in the Second Temple and is celebrated by lighting the menorah for eight nights.
4. Tevet
Tevet is the fourth month of the Hebrew calendar, occurring in December or January. It is a month that includes the minor fast day of Asarah B’Tevet, which commemorates the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. Tevet also marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
5. Shevat
Shevat is the fifth month in the Hebrew calendar and usually falls in January or February. It is a month associated with the holiday of Tu B’Shevat, also known as the New Year for Trees. Tu B’Shevat is a time to celebrate the importance of trees and to engage in ecological awareness.
6. Adar
Adar is the sixth month of the Hebrew calendar, occurring in February or March. In non-leap years, it is the last month of the calendar. Adar is known for the joyous holiday of Purim, which commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman’s plot as described in the Book of Esther. It is a time of celebration, costumes, and giving gifts to the needy.
7. Adar II (in leap years)
In leap years, an additional month called Adar II is added after Adar. This intercalary month ensures that the Hebrew calendar remains aligned with the solar year. As a result, holidays that would have fallen in Adar are moved to Adar II, including Purim.
8. Nisan
Nisan is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, occurring in March or April. It is considered the most sacred month as it marks the beginning of the Jewish festival cycle. Nisan is associated with Passover (Pesach), the holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It is a time of retelling the story of the Exodus and partaking in a festive Seder meal.
9. Iyar
Iyar is the eighth month in the Hebrew calendar, falling in April or May. It is a month that does not contain any major holidays, allowing for a period of spiritual reflection and preparation. However, it is also associated with the observance of Lag BaOmer, a festive day marking a break in the mourning period between Passover and Shavuot.
10. Sivan
Sivan is the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar, occurring in May or June. It is most notably associated with the holiday of Shavuot, also known as the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost. Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Torah to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. It is a time of studying Jewish texts and enjoying dairy-based foods.
11. Tammuz
Tammuz is the tenth month in the Hebrew calendar and usually falls in June or July. It is a month with a mix of joy and sorrow. Tammuz includes the fast day of Shiva Asar B’Tammuz, which marks the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem before the destruction of the First Temple. It is also a time to reflect on personal growth and spiritual connections.
12. Av
Av is the eleventh month of the Hebrew calendar, occurring in July or August. It is considered a month of mourning and reflects the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. The ninth day of Av, known as Tisha B’Av, is a major fast day when many tragedies in Jewish history are remembered.
13. Elul
Elul is the twelfth and final month of the Hebrew calendar, falling in August or September. It serves as a time of introspection and preparation for the upcoming High Holidays. Elul is a month of repentance and spiritual awakening, as individuals reflect on their actions and seek forgiveness.
In conclusion, the Hebrew calendar consists of twelve or thirteen months, each carrying its own significance and observances. From the festive celebrations of Tishrei to the introspective period of Elul, the order of months in the Hebrew calendar allows for a rich tapestry of religious and cultural experiences throughout the year.