Months In The Jewish Calendar

As we enter the year 2023, it's important to take a closer look at the Jewish calendar. The Jewish calendar is a unique system that is based on lunar cycles, with each month beginning with the sighting of a new moon. Let's explore each month in the Jewish calendar and learn more about their significance.

Tishrei - The First Month of the Jewish Year

Tishrei is the first month of the Jewish year and is often referred to as the "head" of the year. It is a month of new beginnings, and it is during this month that Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is celebrated. During this time, Jews reflect on the past year and ask for forgiveness for any wrongdoings. It is also during Tishrei that Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is observed.

Question: What is the significance of Rosh Hashanah?

Answer: Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and is a time for reflection and repentance. It is also a time to celebrate the creation of the world and to pray for a good year ahead.

Cheshvan - The Month with No Holidays

Cheshvan is often referred to as the "bitter" month, as it is the only month in the Jewish calendar with no holidays or special observances. It is a time for Jews to focus on their everyday lives and to prepare for the upcoming holiday season.

Question: Why is Cheshvan referred to as the "bitter" month?

Answer: Cheshvan is referred to as the "bitter" month because it has no holidays or special observances, which can make it feel like a long and uneventful month for some Jews.

Kislev - The Month of Chanukah

Kislev is the month in which Chanukah is celebrated. Chanukah is a holiday that commemorates the miracle of the oil in the Temple, where a small amount of oil lasted for eight days. It is celebrated by lighting candles on a menorah for eight nights and eating foods fried in oil, such as latkes and sufganiyot.

Question: What is the significance of Chanukah?

Answer: Chanukah is a holiday that celebrates the miracle of the oil in the Temple. It is a time for Jews to come together with family and friends, light candles on the menorah, and enjoy delicious foods.

Tevet - The Month of Fast Days

Tevet is a month in which two fast days are observed. The 10th of Tevet is a fast day that commemorates the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. The 28th of Tevet is a fast day that commemorates the death of Ezra the Scribe.

Question: Why are there fast days in Tevet?

Answer: The fast days in Tevet are observed to remember significant events in Jewish history, such as the siege of Jerusalem and the death of Ezra the Scribe.

Shevat - The Month of Trees

Shevat is the month in which Tu B'Shevat is celebrated. Tu B'Shevat is a holiday that celebrates the "New Year for Trees." It is a time to appreciate the beauty of nature and to plant trees in Israel.

Question: Why is Tu B'Shevat called the "New Year for Trees?"

Answer: Tu B'Shevat is called the "New Year for Trees" because it is the time when the sap begins to rise in the trees, signaling the start of a new year for them.

Adar - The Month of Purim

Adar is the month in which Purim is celebrated. Purim is a holiday that commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman, who had planned to destroy them. It is celebrated by reading the Book of Esther, giving gifts of food to friends, and wearing costumes.

Question: Why do Jews wear costumes on Purim?

Answer: Jews wear costumes on Purim to remember the story of Esther, who disguised herself to save the Jewish people from Haman. It is also a fun way to celebrate the holiday.

Nisan - The Month of Passover

Nisan is the month in which Passover is celebrated. Passover is a holiday that commemorates the Exodus from Egypt, where the Jewish people were enslaved. It is celebrated by having a Seder, where the story of the Exodus is retold, and by refraining from eating leavened bread.

Question: Why do Jews refrain from eating leavened bread on Passover?

Answer: Jews refrain from eating leavened bread on Passover to remember the haste with which the Jewish people left Egypt, where they did not have time to let their bread rise.

Iyar - The Month of Healing

Iyar is often referred to as the "month of healing," as it is the month in which Lag B'Omer is celebrated. Lag B'Omer is a holiday that celebrates the life and teachings of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, who is believed to have been a great healer.

Question: Why is Iyar referred to as the "month of healing"?

Answer: Iyar is referred to as the "month of healing" because it is the time when Lag B'Omer is celebrated, a holiday that celebrates the life and teachings of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, who is believed to have been a great healer.

Sivan - The Month of Shavuot

Sivan is the month in which Shavuot is celebrated. Shavuot is a holiday that commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. It is celebrated by reading the Ten Commandments, eating dairy foods, and decorating the synagogue with flowers.

Question: Why do Jews eat dairy foods on Shavuot?

Answer: Jews eat dairy foods on Shavuot to remember the sweetness of the Torah, which is compared to milk and honey.

Tammuz - The Month of Mourning

Tammuz is a month of mourning, as it is the time when the walls of Jerusalem were breached by the Babylonians, leading to the destruction of the Temple. It is observed by fasting on the 17th of Tammuz and by refraining from listening to music or attending weddings.

Question: Why do Jews fast on the 17th of Tammuz?

Answer: Jews fast on the 17th of Tammuz to remember the time when the walls of Jerusalem were breached by the Babylonians, leading to the destruction of the Temple.

Av - The Month of Mourning

Av is also a month of mourning, as it is the time when both Temples were destroyed, and many other tragedies befell the Jewish people. It is observed by fasting on the 9th of Av and by refraining from bathing, wearing leather shoes, or engaging in marital relations.

Question: Why do Jews fast on the 9th of Av?

Answer: Jews fast on the 9th of Av to remember the destruction of the Temples and other tragedies that befell the Jewish people during this time.

By exploring each month in the Jewish calendar, we can gain a deeper understanding of the rich history and traditions of the Jewish people. Whether we are celebrating holidays or observing fast days, each month has its own unique significance and helps us to connect with our faith and our community.