What is Today on the Jewish Calendar?
The Jewish calendar, known as the Hebrew calendar, is a lunar-based calendar used by Jews around the world. It is both religious and civil, serving as the basis for Jewish holidays, rituals, and practices. Determining what is today on the Jewish calendar requires an understanding of its unique structure and the current month and year.
The Jewish calendar is divided into 12 months, with an additional 13th month, Adar II, added in leap years to align with the lunar cycle. Each month begins with the new moon, which is determined by observation. The year in the Jewish calendar is a solar year, with 12 months of 29 or 30 days, totaling 354 or 383 days, respectively. This discrepancy between the Jewish and Gregorian calendars, which is solar-based, results in the Jewish holidays shifting approximately one week earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar.
To determine what is today on the Jewish calendar, you need to know the current year and month. The Jewish year is counted from Creation, with the current year being 5783. The months are as follows:
1. Nisan
2. Iyar
3. Sivan
4. Tammuz
5. Av
6. Elul
7. Tishrei
8. Cheshvan
9. Kislev
10. Tevet
11. Shevat
12. Adar
Today, we are in the month of Tevet, which is the ninth month of the Jewish calendar. Tevet is known for its significance in Jewish history, as it marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile. The month also features several important dates, such as the fast of the 10th of Tevet, which commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem.
In addition to the month, you may also want to know the specific day of the week. The Jewish calendar follows the seven-day week, similar to the Gregorian calendar. To determine the day of the week, you can use an online Jewish calendar or a Jewish calendar app that provides the current Jewish date and day of the week.
Understanding what is today on the Jewish calendar can help you stay connected to Jewish traditions and celebrate the many holidays and observances that mark the Jewish year. By familiarizing yourself with the Jewish calendar, you can appreciate the rich tapestry of Jewish history and culture and participate in the diverse customs and rituals that make up the Jewish faith.
