Why Jewish Calendar Is Different ?

Why Jewish Calendar is Different ? 

The Jewish calendar, also known as the Hebrew calendar, is a unique and significant part of Jewish culture and tradition. This unique calendar has been in use for thousands of years and plays a vital role in the lives of Jewish people. 

In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the differences in the Jewish calendar and why it is still relevant in today's world.

• What are the 12 months of the Jewish Calendar? 
• What is the First Month of the Jewish Calendar 
• Hebrew Calendar vs Gregorian Calendar 
• Which Jewish Year are We In?
• Jewish Calendar Months vs Gregorian Calendar Months 
• When Did the Jewish Calendar Start?
• Why do Jews use a Different Calendar?

What are the 12 months of the Jewish Calendar? 

Month | Meaning

-------|-------

Nisan | Renewal and redemption

Iyar | Reflection and preparation

Sivan | Celebration of the giving of the Torah

Tammuz | Time of mourning

Av | Month of tragedies

Elul | Preparation for High Holidays

Tishrei | Month of celebration and renewal

Cheshvan | Time for rest and recuperation

Kislev | Celebration of Hanukkah

Tevet | Time for reflection and mourning

Shevat | Celebration of nature and connection to Israel

Adar | Month of joy and celebration

What is the First Month of the Jewish Calendar 

Tishrei is the first month of the Jewish year and is a month of celebration and renewal. It is during this month that the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are observed.

The Jewish calendar is deeply rooted in Jewish religious beliefs and practices. It is based on the creation story in the book of Genesis, which states that God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh day. 

This concept of a seven-day week is an essential aspect of Jewish tradition and is reflected in the Jewish calendar. 

The week begins on Sunday and ends on Saturday, with the Sabbath being the seventh day of rest. This is in contrast to the Gregorian calendar, where the week begins on Monday. The significance of the Sabbath in the Jewish calendar is a reminder of the importance of rest, reflection, and spiritual renewal in Jewish life.

Jewish/Hebrew calender is different from the commonly used Gregorian calendar, which is based on the solar system. The Jewish calendar, on the other hand, is a lunisolar calendar based on the cycles of the moon and the sun. 

Hebrew Calendar vs Gregorian Calendar 

One of the most significant differences between the Hebrew/Jewish and Gregorian calendars is the way they count the years.

• The Gregorian calendar follows the common era (CE) system, which is based on the birth of Jesus Christ. 
• In contrast, the Jewish calendar follows the Anno Mundi (AM) system, meaning 'year of the world,' which dates back to the biblical creation of the world. 

The use of the AM system is a reflection of the strong connection between the Jewish people and their religious history.

Which Jewish Year are We In?

According to the Jewish calendar, we are currently in the year 5784, which is 5784 years since the creation of the world. 

Jewish Calendar Months vs Gregorian Calendar Months 

The Jewish calendar is also unique in the way it marks the months. 

• Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which has 12 months, the Jewish calendar has 13 months in a leap year and 12 months in a regular year. 
• This is because the Jewish calendar follows a lunar cycle, with each month beginning with the appearance of the new moon. 
• This adds an extra month every two to three years to ensure that the calendar stays in sync with the solar cycle. 
• This extra month, called Adar II, is added to the year to make sure that the holidays and festivals fall in their correct seasons.

When Did the Jewish Calendar Start? 

According to Jewish tradition, the Jewish calendar was created by God himself during the time of creation. It is believed that the first day of creation was the first day of Tishrei, the first month of the Jewish calendar. 

The first day of creation was the first day of Tishrei, the first month of the Jewish calendar. 

This is the day when God created light and separated it from darkness, and thus the beginning of time. However, the Jewish calendar as we know it today has evolved over the centuries.

The earliest known mention of the Jewish calendar can be found in the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. In the book of Exodus, Moses receives instructions from God on how to observe the Passover, which is one of the most important festivals in the Jewish calendar. 

This is the first time we see a mention of the months of the year, and it is believed that this is when the calendar began to take shape.

Why do Jews use a Different Calendar?

The Jewish calendar is essential in determining the dates of Jewish holidays and festivals. 

The Jewish holidays are based on historical events, and they are observed according to the lunar calendar. 

This means that the dates of these holidays change every year in the Gregorian calendar. For example, the holiday of Passover is always celebrated on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Nisan, which falls in March or April in the Gregorian calendar. 

This makes the Jewish calendar a vital tool in keeping track of religious observances and ensuring that they are celebrated at the correct time.

Apart from its religious significance, the Jewish calendar is also a reflection of the agricultural cycle in the land of Israel. 

The names of the Jewish months are derived from the Hebrew names of the constellations and have a connection to the seasons and agricultural activities. 

For example, the month of Nisan, when Passover is celebrated, is known as the month of spring and the month of Tishrei, when Rosh Hashanah is celebrated, is known as the month of autumn. This connection to the land and nature is an essential aspect of Jewish identity and is reflected in the calendar.

Jews use a Different calender because the Jewish calendar is essential in determining the dates of Jewish holidays, festivals and the agricultural cycle in the land of Israel. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the Jewish calendar is a unique and integral part of Jewish tradition and identity. Its differences from the commonly used Gregorian calendar are a reflection of the rich history and culture of the Jewish people. 

It serves as a reminder of the 

• importance of rest, 
• the connection to the land, 
• and the religious beliefs and practices that are at the core of Jewish life. 

As we enter a new year on the Jewish calendar, let us appreciate the significance of this ancient and sacred way of marking time.