In this crazy and chaotic world, I believe that one of the most effective ways to feel more "grounded" to something meaningful is to stay connected to the Hebrew Calendar.
One of the cool things about Judaism is that life is lived celebrating events and remembering times in the Bible and the history of God's chosen people.
Being "chosen" doesn't mean than the Jewish people get it easy. To the contrary, as history proves. But the Jews are to be a light to the nations. So watch!
The year is filled with holidays and anniversaries. Hanukkah is an example.
Jews are moon gazers. We look to the heavens to know if it’s a new month and even a new year. We start many of our major holidays when the moon is full and bursting with light – like the spring festival of Passover and the fall harvest festival of Sukkot.
Here are things I like to do:
- Know the Hebrew date. Know the month I'm in and what biblical and historical associations there are. Chabad offers a lovely printed calendar. It is easy to Google too.
- Recognize Rosh Chodesh (Hebrew for “head of the month”). Each month we celebrate the arrival of the new moon, marking the start of a new month in the Jewish calendar. Rosh Chodesh is celebrated for two days – the last day of the prior month and the first day of the new month.
"And G‑d said to Moses… in the land of Egypt… This month is for you, the head of the months. First it is for you among the months of the year." Exodus 12:1-2
- Learn about the events in the Bible in real-time. In other words, as dates with biblical significance come up, take the time to explore what they are about. I like to write on the subject because writing is a great way to deepen and organize my thoughts.
- Israel has been called God's timepiece. Pay attention to what is happening in Israel with historical connections to the bible. This article about a "sling stone" is a good example.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/sling-stone-from-hasmonean-period-found-in-southern-hebron-hills/
- Follow/study Torah - The Torah is called the "tree of life." It is the ultimate connection to something meaningful.
Today is 25th of Kislev 5782 - the first day of Hanukkah. Rosh Chodesh Tevet* is this Sunday, December 5, 2021.
* Notable events in the month of Tevet:
There are several very significant events in Jewish history that took place in the month of Tevet. One of the most tragic historical events is Asarah (10th) of Tevet which marks the beginning of the Siege of Jerusalem by King Nebuchadnezzer II of Babylon. That ultimately culminated in the destruction of Solomon's Temple, the downfall of the Kingdom of Judah and the Babylonian exile of the Jews.
This is also a month that Jews were expelled from Vienna Austria and Portugal.
On a happier note the 10th of Tevet is when Esther appears before King Achashverosh for the first time and is chosen to be His queen. This set the stage for Purim and Haman's demise.
There is also the the 25th of Tevet. Some say it is the 2nd Hanukkah - or the Hanukkah that could have been. It marks when the Jewish high priest came out of the temple in temple robes wearing the sacred jeweled "breastplate of judgment."
The high priest and his accompaniment walked through the night with torches burning over to met Alexander the Great. Alexander came down from his chariot and bowed down to the high priest even after the Samaritans said the Jews intended to betray him. The reason why King Alexander bowed down and what happened after is a fascinating story.
