Word: Jewish Calendar
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: The Jewish calendar is a special way of measuring time used by Jewish people. It counts years, months, and days based on the lunar cycle (the phases of the moon) and is different from the more common Gregorian calendar that most people use today. The Jewish calendar starts from the year 3761 BCE, which is believed to be the year when the world was created according to Jewish tradition. A typical year in the Jewish calendar has about 354 days, but to stay in sync with the solar year (which is about 365 days), it includes extra months in some years, called leap years.
Usage Instructions: - When you refer to dates or holidays in the Jewish tradition, you might use the Jewish calendar. For example, you would say, "Passover is celebrated on the 15th of Nisan in the Jewish calendar." - You can also use it to explain cultural or religious events that follow the Jewish calendar, such as Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year).
Example Sentence: "The Jewish calendar marks the beginning of the year with Rosh Hashanah, which usually falls in September or October on the Gregorian calendar."
Advanced Usage: - Scholars or religious leaders might discuss how the Jewish calendar affects the timing of festivals and religious observances. - In historical studies, the Jewish calendar can be important for understanding events in Jewish history.
Word Variants: - Lunar Calendar: A calendar based on the phases of the moon, which is a characteristic of the Jewish calendar. - Leap Year: A year in which an extra month is added to align the lunar year with the solar year.
Different Meanings: - In general terms, "calendar" can refer to any system of organizing days and months, but "Jewish calendar" specifically refers to the calendar used in Judaism.
Synonyms: - Hebrew Calendar (another term sometimes used) - Lunar Calendar (for the type of calendar it is)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to the "Jewish calendar," but you might hear phrases like "mark it on your calendar" when discussing important dates in the Jewish calendar.