Introduction

The Jewish calendar is a lunar calendar, which means that its months are based on the cycles of the moon. The seventh month of the Jewish calendar is an important month, with several significant holidays and observances taking place during this time.

What is the Name of the Seventh Month of the Jewish Calendar?

The name of the seventh month of the Jewish calendar is Tishrei. This month usually falls in September or October in the Gregorian calendar.

What Holidays and Observances Take Place During Tishrei?

Tishrei is a month of celebration and introspection, with several holidays and observances taking place. These include:

Rosh Hashanah: This is the Jewish New Year, which usually falls in September. It is a time for introspection and repentance, and is marked by the blowing of the shofar (a hollowed-out ram’s horn).

Yom Kippur: This is the Day of Atonement, which usually falls around ten days after Rosh Hashanah. It is a solemn day of fasting and prayer, during which Jews seek forgiveness for their sins.

Sukkot: This is a week-long holiday that begins on the 15th day of Tishrei. It commemorates the Jews’ wandering in the desert after leaving Egypt, and is marked by the building of temporary dwellings (called sukkahs) and the waving of the lulav and etrog.

Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah: These holidays mark the end of Sukkot and the beginning of a new cycle of Torah readings. Shemini Atzeret is a day of rest, while Simchat Torah is a joyous celebration during which Jews dance with Torah scrolls.

Why is Tishrei Such an Important Month?

Tishrei is an important month for several reasons. Firstly, it marks the beginning of the Jewish year and is a time for introspection and repentance. Secondly, it is a month of celebration, with several holidays and observances taking place. Finally, it is a time when Jews come together as a community, both in the synagogue and in the sukkah, to celebrate their faith and heritage.

The Significance of the Shofar

One of the most iconic symbols of the Jewish New Year is the shofar, a hollowed-out ram’s horn that is blown during the Rosh Hashanah services. The shofar has several symbolic meanings:

Awakening: The sound of the shofar is said to awaken the soul and inspire Jews to repent and seek forgiveness for their sins.

Crowning God as King: The shofar is also said to symbolize the coronation of God as King of the Universe, reminding Jews of their obligation to serve Him.

Remembrance: Finally, the shofar is said to be a reminder of the binding of Isaac, when Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. The shofar is blown as a reminder of this event and the ultimate sacrifice that Abraham was willing to make.

The Importance of Repentance

Repentance (or teshuvah) is a central theme of the Jewish New Year, and is emphasized throughout the month of Tishrei. Jews are encouraged to reflect on their actions over the past year, and to seek forgiveness from both God and their fellow human beings.

Repentance involves several steps, including acknowledging one’s wrongdoing, expressing remorse, and making restitution where possible. It is a process that requires humility, honesty, and a willingness to change.

Conclusion

Tishrei is a month of celebration and introspection, with several significant holidays and observances taking place. It is a time when Jews come together as a community to celebrate their faith and heritage, and to reflect on their actions over the past year. Whether blowing the shofar, building a sukkah, or seeking forgiveness through repentance, Tishrei provides Jews with an opportunity to connect with their past, present, and future.