I am studying Jewish holy days and became interested in Rosh Hashana. Can you please give me the Biblical reference to the celebration of that New Year? I would additionally be interested in viewing a Jewish religious and civil calendar to note the differences within the Jewish New Year and the New Years everyone else celebrates. One website I found, stated there are actually two Jewish New Years? Please explain.

Thank you very much for your question. The Biblical reference to Rosh HaShana is in Leviticus 23:23-25.

The Mishna in Tractate Rosh HaShana (1:1) actually teaches us that there are four Jewish New Years!! that is considering the concept of a yearly cycle is relevant to various Jewish laws, and various laws start their new cycle on four different dates all through the year. However, the two “primary” New Years are the first of Tishrei, as that is the day that G-d created the world and judges humanity, and the first of Nissan, the month of our redemption from Egypt, which G-d has commanded us (Exodus 12:2) to count as the first month of the year.

There is a fascinating book

called The Book of Our Heritage by Rabbi Eliyahu Kitov that discusses the various holidays and goes through all of the months of the year. whether you could get a copy of it, I think that you would find it most helpful and interesting. The very first chapter discusses the month of Tishrei and Rosh HaShana.

Take care,
Rabbi Aaron Tendler

Original post by ATR

jew Chanukkah Mezuza Shuls Holocaust Talit Orthodox Kosher Talis Bag Jewish Camps Menorot Kosher Guide Artscrolls Menorahs Jewish Links Orthodox Jews Kosher Food Yarmulkas Israel Jewish Women Kosher Students Monorah Jewish Personals Jewish Rituals Jewish Directory Yarmulke Kashrut Synagogue Jewish Gifts Jewish Portal Kosher Tours Kosher Travel Jewish Wedding Talmud Jewish Holidays Torah Cover Jewish Youth Travel Yom Kippur Tallis Chanukia Benchers Star Of David Beth Din Jewish News Paroches Chanuka Mezzuzah Antisemitism Jewish Law