The Structure of the Hebrew Calendar
The Hebrew calendar, also known as the Jewish or lunisolar calendar, is based on lunar months and solar years. Each year consists of 12 or 13 months, depending on whether it is a regular or leap year. The months are used to determine Jewish holidays, festivals, and other significant events.
Hebrew Month Names and Their Origins
Most of the Hebrew month names currently in use were adopted during the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), replacing the earlier, often numerical, biblical designations. Below is a list of the Hebrew months, their names in Hebrew, and the origins or meanings associated with each.
1. Nisan (נִיסָן)
Origin: Borrowed from the Akkadian word “Nisanu,” Nisan marks the beginning of spring and is the first month of the Hebrew religious calendar. It is most famous for Passover (Pesach). The name may be related to the Sumerian word for “first fruits.”
2. Iyar (אִיָּר)
Origin: The name Iyar comes from the Babylonian “Ayyaru,” meaning “blossom” or “light.” This month falls in late spring and is associated with renewal and growth.
3. Sivan (סִיוָן)
Origin: Sivan’s name is derived from the Babylonian “Simanu,” which means “season” or “time.” It is the month of Shavuot, celebrating the giving of the Torah.
4. Tammuz (תַּמּוּז)
Origin: Named after the Mesopotamian deity Tammuz, this month reflects the influence of Babylonian culture. Tammuz is associated with mourning and remembrance, particularly for the breach of Jerusalem’s walls.
5. Av (אָב)
Origin: The name Av is thought to come from the Akkadian “Abu,” meaning “reed” or “father.” This month is notable for Tisha B’Av, a day of mourning for the destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem.
6. Elul (אֱלוּל)
Origin: Elul derives from the Akkadian “Elūlu,” which means “harvest.” It is traditionally a month of reflection and repentance leading up to the High Holidays.
7. Tishrei (תִּשְׁרֵי)
Origin: The name Tishrei comes from the Akkadian “Tashritu,” meaning “beginning.” It marks the civil New Year and includes major holidays like Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot.
8. Cheshvan (חֶשְׁוָן) or MarCheshvan (מַרְחֶשְׁוָן)
Origin: The full name MarCheshvan is derived from the Akkadian “Warach Shamnu,” meaning “eighth month.” The prefix “Mar” means “bitter” in Hebrew, referencing the absence of holidays in this month.
9. Kislev (כִּסְלֵו)
Origin: Kislev comes from the Akkadian “Kislimu,” associated with trust and hope, possibly due to the onset of winter. The festival of Hanukkah takes place during this month.
10. Tevet (טֵבֵת)
Origin: The name Tevet is from the Akkadian “Tebetu,” meaning “sink” or “submerge,” likely referring to the heavy winter rains in Israel.
11. Shevat (שְׁבָט)
Origin: Shevat is rooted in the Akkadian “Shabatu,” which means “strike,” possibly alluding to the heavy rains. Tu Bishvat, the “New Year for Trees,” is celebrated in this month.
12. Adar (אֲדָר)
Origin: Adar comes from the Akkadian “Adaru,” meaning “cloudy” or “dark,” reflecting the end of the winter season. Purim, a joyous festival, is celebrated during Adar.
13. Adar II (אֲדָר שֵׁנִי) or VeAdar (וְאֲדָר)
Origin: In leap years, an extra month—Adar II—is added to realign the lunar and solar years. This practice ensures that Passover always falls in spring.
Biblical vs. Post-Exilic Month Names
Before the Babylonian exile, the Hebrew months were often referred to by their order (e.g., “the first month,” “the second month”) or by older Canaanite names such as Aviv (for Nisan), Ziv (for Iyar), and Bul (for Cheshvan). After the exile, the Babylonian names became standard and remain in use today.
Why Learn the Hebrew Month Names?
For Hebrew learners, knowing the month names enriches vocabulary and provides cultural context, especially when reading Jewish texts, following the holiday cycle, or participating in community events. Talkpal’s AI language learning blog encourages students to explore not only the language but also the vibrant worldviews embedded in Hebrew tradition.
Conclusion
The Hebrew names for the months are more than just words on a calendar; they are echoes of ancient civilizations, agricultural cycles, and spiritual journeys. Learning these names and their origins enhances not only your Hebrew proficiency but also your connection to Jewish heritage and history. For more insights on Hebrew language and culture, continue following the Talkpal blog and deepen your understanding one month at a time.
