Nadene Goldfoot
Safed was a wonderful city to experience the sky for me. Shabbat (the Sabbath) ended when 3 stars could be seen in the sky. It was as if the heavens had lowered the ceiling of inky black filled with these huge sparkly stars one could see so easily. Safed was a mountain and the city was laid out on the very top, a wonderful place to breathe fresh air as there was usually a constant breeze, blowing through the hot air. The sky and evening was a place where one would feel was like heaven, as it was refreshing as well as magical with all those amazing stars. Then there was that moon that was always changing its shape, a bigger light that reckoned the time for all the people below. We'd sit outside at night and wait for 3 stars to appear, telling us that Shabbat was over. In this black sky, stars were always easy to see and count.
Safed is a city in the Northern District of Israel and covers the top of the mountain. Located at an elevation of 900 metres (2,952.76 feet) , Safed is the highest city in the Galilee and in Israel. Safed has been identified with Sepph, a fortified town in the Upper Galilee mentioned in the writings of the Roman Jewish historian Josephus.
Monday, September 6, 2021, is Erev Rosh Hashana (Head of the Year), the Eve of the beginning of the New Year. when we start our celebration with a big family dinner. We eat sweet things to help bring on a sweet New Year. This year is celebrating the the year 5781 in the month of Elul to the New Year of 5782 in the month of Tishrei. which is on September 7, 2021. If that's confusing, Elul and Tishri occur in September this year. This is the start of the Ten Days of Penitence, which ends on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). It was regarded as a Day of Judgement for the entire world when the date of each man for the coming year is inscribed in the Book of Life.
The Jewish year is reckened from the Creation of the world, calculated on biblical data to coincide with 3760 BCE. AM (=Anno Mundi) 5000 began September 1, 1239. For calculations since 1240 CE: to find AM, deduct 1240 from the Common Era (CE) and add 5000. This starts our 10 days of awe, the time of repentance which culminates 10 days later on Yom Kippur.
Our calendar months are from the original Babylonian names. The tribe of Judah had been kidnapped and taken to Babylonia twice; in 597 BCE and shortly after again in 586 BCE by Nebuchadnezzar after he had destroyed the Temple built by King Solomon. The months start with the new moon of September-October, called:
Hebrew name Babylonian name length of days
1. Tishri Tashretu (Beginning) 30
2. Heshvan (marheshvan) Arakhshama 29 or 30
3. Kislev Kislimu 29 or 30
4. Tevet Tabetu (Flooding) 29
5. Shevat Shabatu (Beating) 30
6. Adar Addaru 29 in leap year, 30
7. Nisan Nisannu 30
8. Iyyar Ayaru (Bud) 29
9. Sivan Simanu 30
10 Tammuz Du'uzu (name of a god) 29
11. Av Abu 30
12. Elul Ululu (Purification) 29
The Jewish calendar depends on the moon, being a lunar calendar and the Jewish year consists of 12 months calculated according to the moon's activity.
Time by the changing moon-29 to 30 days making a month
It was used to celebrate the agricultural festivals in their proper season. This lunar year consists of 354 days. The calendar used today by all countries is a solar calendar consisting of 365.25 days. and is made up by adding (intercalating) a full month after the Jewish month of Adar in the 3rd, 6th, 8, 11th, 14th 17th and 19th year of each 19 year cycle. The year of 5749 began such a cycle.
This calendar was introduced by the patriarch, Hillel II (330-365). Before this time, witnesses had to report each month the appearance of the new moon to the Sanhedrin which announced the date by fire-signals, and later by messengers because of the uncertainty involved.
It became customary for countries in the Diaspora (outside of Israel) to celebrate certain holidays for 2 days to make sure we're all celebrating it together. The Sanhedrin also determined each year whether intercalation was to take place. So sectarians, whose views are preserved in the Book of Jubilees, etc., advocated a purely solar calendar, probably one of 12 months of 30 days and 4 extra days.
The Jewish year is reckoned from the Creation of the world, calculated on biblical data to coincide with 3760 BCE. AM (=Anno Mundi) 5000 began September 1, 1239. For calculations since 1240 CE, to find AM, deduct 1240 from Common era (CE) and add 5000 (for dates in September -October to December, add another year. So, 1958---1240+5000=5718. 1958 CE= AM 5717-8. To find CE delete the 5 from AM and add 1240. Well, it's easier to buy a printed calendar.
The Chinese also have a lunar Calendar. Their New Year in 2021 fell on February 12, and it was the year of the Ox. The festival was traditionally a time to honour deities as well as ancestors. There are various theory about the origin of Chinese New year. One is that it was started by Emperor Yao in China's Bronze Age. Before the new year celebration was established, ancient Chinese gathered and celebrated the end of harvest in autumn. However, this was not the Mid-Autumn Festival, during which Chinese gathered with family to worship the moon.
Resource:
The New Standard Jewish Encyclopedia: Calendar and Rosh Hashana
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_New_Year
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