Interested in learning more about the Bible?
We send our amazing followers of Jesus Christ, just like you, daily text messages from the Holy Bible.
Will you join them?
What Year Is It On Jewish Calendar?
It is currently the year 5781 in the Jewish calendar, beginning with the start of Rosh Hashanah on the evening of September 6th, 2020. This calendar system is known as the Hebrew calendar and is based on a lunar cycle of twelve lunar months.
The Hebrew calendar counts from the estimated date of Creation, which is usually placed at 3761 BCE (Before the Common Era). Every year in the Hebrew calendar only contains 354 days, which is 11 days less than 365 days in a standard year. As a result, the dates for holidays move up 11 days every year. This ensures that the holidays remain in the same season year after year.
To make up for the 11 day shortfall in the Hebrew calendar each year, a 13th month is added seven times during a 19-year cycle. These additional months are known as ‘leap months’, or ‘Ḥaser’ (‘lengthening’ in Hebrew). There are two ways in which a leap month is determined: by the decision of a Sanhedrin, or a council of rabbinical authorities, or by the sighting of the new moon.
The factors that are taken into account before declaring a leap month are the duration of the previous month, the length of the current month, and the appearance of the new moon. The decision ultimately falls to the Sanhedrin and is then announced to the public.
Leap years are an important part of the Jewish calendar because they ensure that the holidays remain in their respective seasons – for example, Passover, which is celebrated in the spring, is always celebrated in the spring. However, leap years can also throw off the calculation of other events, such as the start of Shabbat, which usually begins 25 hours after sunset, but can start at a different time depending on the length of the month.
Ultimately, the Jewish calendar is incredibly complex and it takes a lot of work to keep track of the passing of each year. However, it is essential that the calendar is maintained and managed, as it provides an important link for Jews around the world to their heritage and to the teachings of their faith.
Are you inspired by Bible verses? We’ll send you text messages, every day, from the Bible: Sign up for a daily test message, from the Holy Bible
Interested in Bible verses? Learn about similar topics here, like:
When are the jewish holidays, When do jewish boys get circumcised, Where do jewish people live, Where do jewish people worship, Who are the jewish
