Hebrew Calendar Months (Jewish)

Question 1

Adar

Answer 1

May be related to the Akkadian word “adāru,” which could mean “glorious” or “noble.” Purim (Festival of Lots)

Question 2

Av

Answer 2

Likely related to the word “ab” in Hebrew, meaning “father,” possibly symbolizing the “father” or leading month of the period of destruction and mourning. Tisha B’Av (Ninth of Av, a day of mourning)

Question 3

Cheshvan

Answer 3

Also known as Marcheshvan, likely derived from the Akkadian “waraḫsamnu,” meaning “eighth month.” No major holidays.

Question 4

Elul

Answer 4

Possibly derived from the Akkadian “elūlu,” referring to a harvest festival, or it may be an acronym for the Hebrew phrase “Ani L’dodi V’dodi Li,” meaning “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” No major holidays, but a time of preparation for the High Holidays.

Question 5

Iyar

Answer 5

Possibly related to the Akkadian “ayaru,” meaning “blossom” or “rosette.” Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) Simchat Torah (Rejoicing of the Torah)

Question 6

Kislev

Answer 6

May come from the Akkadian “kislimu,” which refers to “inspissation,” or thickening, perhaps relating to the winter rains.

Question 7

Nisan

Answer 7

Likely derived from the Akkadian “nīsānu,” related to “beginning” or “spring.” Passover (Pesach)

Question 8

Shevat

Answer 8

Possibly derived from the Akkadian “šabāṭu,” which means “strike” or “a rod,” though the exact connection is unclear. Tu B’Shevat (New Year for Trees)

Question 9

Sivan

Answer 9

Likely derived from the Akkadian “simānu,” meaning “season” or “time.” Shavuot (Feast of Weeks)

Question 10

Tammuz

Answer 10

Named after the Sumerian god Tammuz, associated with harvest and growth. Fast of the 17th of Tammuz

Question 11

Tevet

Answer 11

Likely derived from the Akkadian “ṭēbētu,” meaning “flood,” or “the sinking down” referring to the depth of winter. Fast of Tevet 10. Hanukkah (Festival of Lights)

Question 12

Tishrei

Answer 12

Possibly derived from the Akkadian word Tašrītu, meaning beginning.Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) Simchat Torah (Rejoicing of the Torah)

Question 13

Nisan

Answer 13

The first month of the ecclesiastical year and the seventh month of the civil year. It usually corresponds to March/April.

Question 14

Iyar

Answer 14

The second month of the ecclesiastical year and the eighth month of the civil year. It usually corresponds to April/May.

Question 15

Sivan

Answer 15

The third month of the ecclesiastical year and the ninth month of the civil year. It usually corresponds to May/June.

Question 16

Tammuz

Answer 16

The fourth month of the ecclesiastical year and the tenth month of the civil year. It usually corresponds to June/July.

Question 17

Av

Answer 17

The fifth month of the ecclesiastical year and the eleventh month of the civil year. It usually corresponds to July/August.

Question 18

Elul

Answer 18

The sixth month of the ecclesiastical year and the twelfth month of the civil year. It usually corresponds to August/September.

Question 19

Tishrei

Answer 19

The seventh month of the ecclesiastical year and the first month of the civil year. It usually corresponds to September/October.

Question 20

Cheshvan

Answer 20

Also called Marcheshvan, the eighth month of the ecclesiastical year and the second month of the civil year. It usually corresponds to October/November.

Question 21

Kislev

Answer 21

The ninth month of the ecclesiastical year and the third month of the civil year. It usually corresponds to November/December.

Question 22

Tevet

Answer 22

The tenth month of the ecclesiastical year and the fourth month of the civil year. It usually corresponds to December/January.

Question 23

Shevat

Answer 23

The eleventh month of the ecclesiastical year and the fifth month of the civil year. It usually corresponds to January/February.

Question 24

Adar

Answer 24

The twelfth month of the ecclesiastical year and the sixth month of the civil year. It usually corresponds to February/March. In a leap year, an additional month called Adar I is added before Adar (Adar II).