Hebrew Calendar explores the fascinating world of the Jewish calendar, a system deeply intertwined with Jewish religious life, history, and agricultural practices. This lunisolar calendar uniquely balances lunar months and solar years, impacting the timing of Jewish holidays and shaping religious observances. From its ancient roots in observational astronomy, where the Sanhedrin declared new months, to its later codification, the book traces the evolution of this vital timekeeping system.
The book explains how the Hebrew calendar transitioned into a mathematically calculated format attributed to Hillel II, ensuring its stability across generations. Readers will discover the intricate roles of leap years, molads (new moon conjunctions), and postponement rules in determining holiday dates. The book begins with basic calendar concepts and progresses through biblical, Second Temple, and Talmudic periods, culminating in practical applications for modern Jewish life.
By examining biblical texts, Talmudic literature, and astronomical research, Hebrew Calendar reveals how this calendar serves as a dynamic intersection of astronomy, religion, and agriculture. This makes it invaluable for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Jewish tradition, religious studies, or the history of timekeeping.
