DOCSLIB.ORG

Five Year Jewish Holiday Calendar 2018-23

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

FIVE-YEAR CALENDAR OF MAJOR JEWISH HOLIDAYS This calendar can assist schools as they schedule exams, field trips, sporting events, graduations, etc. Other organizations and the media might find it helpful as well. An explanation of each holiday follows on the second page. Holidays begin the evening before because a Jewish "day" begins and ends at sunset, rather than at midnight. Secular/School Year 2018–2019 2019–2020 2020–2021 2021–2022 2022–2023 Jewish Year 5779 5780 5781 5782 5783 Erev (eve of) Sun / Sep 9 Fri / Sep 18 Mon/ Sep 6 Sun/ Sep 25 Rosh Hashanah * Sun / Sep 29 Mon–Tue Mon–Sat Sat–Sun Tue–Wed Mon–Tues Rosh Hashanah * Sep 10–11 Sep 30 – Oct 1 Sept 19 – 20 Sept 7–8 Sept 26–27 Erev (eve of) Tue / Sep 18 Tue / Oct 8 Sun / Sept 27 Wed / Sept 15 Tue / Oct 4 Yom Kippur * Yom Kippur * Wed / Sep 19 Wed / Oct 9 Mon / Sept 28 Thu / Sept 16 Wed / Oct 5 Mon–Sun Mon–Sun Sat–Fri Tue–Mon Mon–Sun Sukkot * Sep 24–30 Oct 14 – 20 Oct 3 – 9 Sept 21 – 27 Oct 10 – 16 Shemini Atzeret * Mon / Oct 1 Mon / Oct 21 Sat / Oct 10 Tue / Sept 28 Mon / Oct 17 Simchat Torah * Tue / Oct 2 Tue / Oct 22 Sun / Oct 11 Wed / Sept 29 Tue / Oct 18 Mon–Mon Sun–Mon Fri–Fri Mon–Mon Mon–Mon Hanukkah Dec 3– 10 Dec 23 – 30 Dec 11 – 18 Nov 29 – Dec 6 Dec 19 – Dec 26 Tu B’Shevat Mon / Jan 21 Mon / Feb 10 Thu / Jan 28 Mon / Jan 17 Mon / Feb 6 Purim Thu / Mar 21 Tue / Mar 10 Fri / Feb 26 Thu / Mar 17 Tue / Mar 7 First night of Fri / Apr 19 Wed / Apr 8 Sat / Mar 27 Fri / Apr 15 Wed / Apr 5 Passover * Sat–Sat Thu–Thu Sun–Sun Sat–Sat Thu–Thu Passover* Apr 20–27 Apr 9 – 16 Mar 28 – Apr 4 Apr 16 - 23 Apr 6 - 13 Tue–Wed Fri–Sat Mon–Tues Sun–Mon Fri–Sat Shavuot * Jun 9 – 10 May 29 – 30 May 17 – 18 Jun 5 - 6 May 26 - 27 Tisha B’Av Sun / Aug 11 Thu / Jul 30 Sun / Jul 18 Sun / Aug 7 Thu / Jul 27 *Commonly observed by synagogue attendance or family gatherings. On these days and on the Sabbath (Friday evening through Saturday evening), work is traditionally prohibited; individuals may be absent from school or work. Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati 8499 Ridge Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236 • (513) 985 -2960 • [email protected] Please share freely. PDF available at jewishcincinnati.org/jewish-holidays EXPLANATION OF MAJOR JEWISH HOLIDAYS Holidays begin the evening before because a Jewish "day" begins and ends at sunset, rather than at midnight. Rosh Hashanah* Traditions include eating apples dipped in honey and blowing the shofar (ram’s horn). (Jewish New Year) Most Jews attend synagogue on these two days and the preceding evening. Considered by Jews to be the holiest and most solemn day of the year. Fasting Yom Kippur* begins at sundown and ends after nightfall the following day. Most Jews attend (Day of Atonement) synagogue on this day and the preceding evening. Sukkot* A seven-day festival. One of the three pilgrimage festivals mentioned in the Bible. (Feast of Tabernacles Celebrated by the building of a sukkah, or temporary dwelling, outdoors. Work is or Booths) traditionally prohibited on the 1st and 2nd days. Shemini Atzeret* Immediately follows the conclusion of Sukkot. Work is traditionally prohibited. (Eighth day of Sukkot) Concludes and begins anew the annual reading cycle of the Torah, the Five Books of Simchat Torah* Moses that make up the Jewish Bible. Immediately follows Sukkot and Shemini (Rejoicing of the Law) Atzeret. Work is traditionally prohibited. An eight-day festival marked by the lighting of candles—one the 1st night, two the Hanukkah 2nd, etc.—using a special candle holder called a menorah or chanukiah. Traditions (Festival of Lights) include spinning dreidels (tops), eating potato latkes (pancakes), and giving gifts. Tu B’Shevat Celebrated as an ecological awareness day. Trees are often planted. (New Year of the Trees) Commemorates the events in the Book of Esther. One of the most joyous holidays. Purim Traditions include wearing costumes and giving care packages to those in need. Commemorates the liberation of the Hebrew slaves from Egypt. A feast called a seder Passover* is held on the 1st two nights of the eight-day holiday. Leavened food (e.g., bread, (Pesach) cake) and most grain products are not eaten. Matzah (unleavened bread) is often eaten instead. Work is traditionally prohibited on the 1st, 2nd, 7th, and 8th days. Shavuot* According to Rabbinic tradition, the Ten Commandments were given on this day. It is (Feast of Weeks, Pentecost) traditional to eat meals containing dairy. Annual fast day commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Tisha B’Av Jerusalem and the subsequent exile of the Jews from the land of Israel. *Commonly observed by synagogue attendance or family gatherings. On these days and on the Sabbath (Friday evening through Saturday evening), work is traditionally prohibited; individuals may be absent from school or work. Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati 8499 Ridge Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236 • (513) 985-2960 • jcongedo@jfedcin .or g Please share freely. PDF available at jewishcincinnati.org/jewish-holidays .
Recommended publications
  • 2021 Board Approved Holidays

    2021 Board Approved Holidays

    MARTIN COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 2021 BOARD APPROVED HOLIDAYS New Year’s Day .............................................. Friday ........................ January 1 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day ............................. Monday ..................... January 18 Memorial Day ................................................. Monday ..................... May 31 Independence Day ......................................... Monday ..................... July 5 (observed) Labor Day ....................................................... Monday ..................... September 6 Veterans Day .................................................. Thursday ................... November 11 Thanksgiving Day ........................................... Thursday ................... November 25 day after Thanksgiving.................................... Friday ........................ November 26 Christmas Eve ................................................ Thursday ................... December 23 (observed) Christmas Day ................................................ Friday ........................ December 24 (observed) FYI – New Year’s Day 2022 ........................... Friday ........................ December 31 (observed) 2021 OTHER HOLIDAYS/OCCASIONS OF NOTE listed for planning purposes only Presidents’ Day .............................................. Monday ..................... February 15 Martin County School Spring Break ................ Mon-Fri ...................... March 15-19 St. Lucie County School Spring Break ............ Mon-Fri
  • Explanation of Jewish Holidays

    Explanation of Jewish Holidays

    Explanation of Jewish Holidays The purpose of this calendar... Rosh Hashanah - New Year Shabbat - The Sabbath Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish This weekly celebration begins on sundown This calendar and holiday guide has been year and the Ten Days of Penitence. The holiday Friday and concludes one hour after sundown on prepared by the Community Relations Council concludes with Yom Kippur. It is observed with Saturday. Shabbat celebrates God’s completion of of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island day-long synagogue services, the blowing of the Creation and the desire to see peace and harmony shofar (ram’s horn), and the eating of apples and to assist public officials, school administrators, in the world. As God rested on the Seventh Day honey, symbolic of our hopes for a sweet year. of Creation, Jews are commanded to rest and teachers, and private employers in planning refrain from work on Shabbat as a way to recreate classes and events that will not conflict with Yom Kippur - Day of Atonement an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. This the observance of major Jewish holidays. The most holy of all Jewish holidays is devoted to weekly holy day is the most revered on the Jewish Government agencies, hospitals, and the media synagogue services, fasting, prayer, and repentance. Calendar. may find this calendar helpful. Sukkot - Feast of the Tabernacles, Other major Jewish Holidays where it is It is designed to encourage public awareness of Shemini Atzeret, and permissible to work or attend school: Jewish religious observances. It is hoped that this Simhat Torah guide will help you in scheduling activities like Sukkot is an eight-day harvest festival of Hanukkah examinations, sporting activities, meetings, and thanksgiving and remembrance of the Israelites’ This eight-day festival marks the victory of wandering in the desert after the Exodus from Jewish forces over the ancient Assyrians and the graduation ceremonies during times that conflict Egypt.
  • A Guide to Rosh Hashanah La'behemot

    A Guide to Rosh Hashanah La'behemot

    We are grateful for all the good we receive from behemot, from domesticated animals. Some of us eat them, some wear their skins, some eat eggs and cheese, some use medicines and even organs that come from animals, some wear wool and silk, some write on Torah scrolls, wear tefillin, and blow shofarot that come from animal’s bodies. Some of us do none of these things, but we benefit from the bee A Guide to Rosh Hashanah La’Behemot that pollinates the flowers and the worm that softens the earth. May the One who is the breath of life cause us to be mindful of these gifts and never to waste them or take them for granted. (The shofar is blown a tekiyah shvarim tekiyah cycle.) the Jewish New Year’s Day for Animals We bless all the creatures, Behemot and Ḥayot we are privileged to live with on the earth: the loving companion animals who live in our houses, the birds at our windows and in the forests, the burrowing creatures under our feet, the fish in the waters of our streams and oceans. We bless all the spirits, all the nefashot we are privileged to live with on the earth, the known and the When? unknown. May the One who is the breath of life bless all living things that we love and strengthen them. Rosh Hashanah La'Behemot, the New Year's Day for Domesticated Animals, occurs on the very (The shofar is blown a long tekiyah for the final time.) first day of the Hebrew month of Elul; that's always exactly one month before the High Holy Days begin.
  • How Do We Celebrate Yom Kippur at Home?

    How Do We Celebrate Yom Kippur at Home?

    “Day of Atonement” In Hebrew. Healthy adults are commanded to refrain from eating and drinking from sunset to sunset to remind us of the frailty of the human body and our own mortality, and to encourage complete focus on the holiday. It is customary to wear white on the holiday and some choose to wear sneakers or other rubber-soled shoes out of deference to the ancient practice of avoiding leather shoes, which were a symbol of luxury. How Do We Celebrate Yom Kippur at Home? Before sundown, families and friends gather together and eat the last meal before the start of Yom Kip- pur and the period of fasting. It is only after the last bite is eaten, and the holiday candles are lit, that Yom Kippur and the fast officially begin. If you choose to fast, it is important to remember that children under the age of 13 are not required to fast nor are adults whose health precludes them from fasting. Yom Kippur is a somber Jewish holiday of reflection and contemplation. We think of those who came before us and those who have influenced our lives and we take the time to remember family and/or friends who have died. You can light a special Yahrzeit candle (available in Judaica shops and online), if you choose. Just like on Shabbat, two candles can be lit at the evening meal. Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your com- mandments and commands us to light the [Sabbath and] holiday lights.
  • Download Ji Calendar Educator Guide

    Download Ji Calendar Educator Guide

    xxx Contents The Jewish Day ............................................................................................................................... 6 A. What is a day? ..................................................................................................................... 6 B. Jewish Days As ‘Natural’ Days ........................................................................................... 7 C. When does a Jewish day start and end? ........................................................................... 8 D. The values we can learn from the Jewish day ................................................................... 9 Appendix: Additional Information About the Jewish Day ..................................................... 10 The Jewish Week .......................................................................................................................... 13 A. An Accompaniment to Shabbat ....................................................................................... 13 B. The Days of the Week are all Connected to Shabbat ...................................................... 14 C. The Days of the Week are all Connected to the First Week of Creation ........................ 17 D. The Structure of the Jewish Week .................................................................................... 18 E. Deeper Lessons About the Jewish Week ......................................................................... 18 F. Did You Know? .................................................................................................................
  • The KEY Program for the 12 Days Between Chai Elul and Rosh Hashana

    The KEY Program for the 12 Days Between Chai Elul and Rosh Hashana

    בס"ד The KEY program for the 12 days between Chai Elul and Rosh Hashana חדר מנחם Cheder Menachem בס"ד The KEY program for the 12 days between Chai Elul and Rosh Hashana ”ח"י אלול איז דער טאג וואס גיט אריין א חיות אין די עבודה פון אלול“ The Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe, by teaching us Chassidus, gave us the keys to be able to do Torah and Mitzvos with a chayus and with joy. The Frierdiker Rebbe explains that from Chai Elul there are 12 days ,אני לדודי ודודי לי Chai Elul gives a chayus in the avodah of Elul and the avodah of corresponding to the 12 months of the year. In these days we have the keys to fix up everything from the whole year and guarantee a Ksiva Vachasima Tova for a happy, sweet new year. In Cheder we will be having the KEY Program. In this booklet, you have a key for every day, - something connected with the month, and a mission for this day. Do your key throughout the day, in Cheder or at home, and fill out that day’s page. .you will be able to have a chance to win the great prize by earning keys ד to א For grades Pre1 have a treasure box with בעזרת ה' For every five missions that you complete, you will receive a key. If you do all 12, you will earn THREE KEYS. We will the grand prize inside and a lock on the outside. Many keys will be distributed but only one key will work to open the lock.
  • Hebcal-5779.Pdf

    Hebcal-5779.Pdf

    September 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 29th of Elul, 5778 1st of Tishrei, 5779 2nd of Tishrei, 5779 3rd of Tishrei, 5779 4th of Tishrei, 5779 5th of Tishrei, 5779 6th of Tishrei, 5779 Erev Rosh Hashana Rosh Hashana 5779 Rosh Hashana II Tzom Gedaliah Shabbat Shuva 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 7th of Tishrei, 5779 8th of Tishrei, 5779 9th of Tishrei, 5779 10th of Tishrei, 5779 11th of Tishrei, 5779 12th of Tishrei, 5779 13th of Tishrei, 5779 Erev Yom Kippur Yom Kippur 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 14th of Tishrei, 5779 15th of Tishrei, 5779 16th of Tishrei, 5779 17th of Tishrei, 5779 18th of Tishrei, 5779 19th of Tishrei, 5779 20th of Tishrei, 5779 Erev Sukkot Sukkot I Sukkot II Sukkot III (CH''M) Sukkot IV (CH''M) Sukkot V (CH''M) Sukkot VI (CH''M) 30 21st of Tishrei, 5779 Sukkot VII (Hoshana Raba) Provided by Hebcal.com with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License October 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 22nd of Tishrei, 5779 23rd of Tishrei, 5779 24th of Tishrei, 5779 25th of Tishrei, 5779 26th of Tishrei, 5779 27th of Tishrei, 5779 Shmini Atzeret Simchat Torah 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 28th of Tishrei, 5779 29th of Tishrei, 5779 30th of Tishrei, 5779 1st of Cheshvan, 5779 2nd of Cheshvan, 5779 3rd of Cheshvan, 5779 4th of Cheshvan, 5779 Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 5th of Cheshvan, 5779 6th of Cheshvan, 5779 7th of Cheshvan, 5779 8th of Cheshvan, 5779 9th of Cheshvan, 5779 10th of Cheshvan, 5779 11th
  • Bulletin for October 2018

    Bulletin for October 2018

    Rabbi Alan Cook Rabbi Emeritus Norman Klein Rabbi Emeritus Isaac Neuman Z”L MONDAY, OCTOBER 1 SHEMINI ATZERET/SIMCHAT TORAH 10:00 am Egalitarian Traditional Minyan Shemini Atzeret Service w/Yizkor 5:30 pm Simchat Torah FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5 Monday, October 1st 7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service Please join us on Monday morning, October 1 at 10:00 AM in the SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6 sanctuary for Shemini Atzeret services conducted by the 9:30 am Zachi Dankowicz’s Bar Mitzvah Egalitarian Traditional Minyan. This service will feature Yizkor 9:30 am Egalitarian Traditional Minyan memorial prayers. A kiddish luncheon will follow. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12 On Monday evening, we will gather for our community celebration 7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service of Simchat Torah. We will begin at 5:30 PM, with a pizza dinner courtesy of Ralph Senn and Garcia's Pizza in a Pan. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19 5:30 pm Shabbat Rocks!/Next Dor Following dinner, we will have a festival service featuring liturgy 7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service drawn from our Torah scrolls, and consecration of our newest Sinai Temple Religious School students. Then we'll enjoy festive SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20 dancing and rejoicing with the Torah! It's fun for all ages! 10:00 am Egalitarian Traditional Minyan FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26 7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27 A BIG Thank You to all the Volunteers 10:00 am High School Service Thank you to everyone who volunteered your time and energy in helping clean the outside and inside of our Temple during the Labor of Love.
  • 1- the Biblical Account of Creation SG

    1- the Biblical Account of Creation SG

    The Biblical Account of Creation Pt. 1 1 Memory Verse- Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Your Is the earth 6,000 years old? Was the world THE BIBLE WAY TO HEAVEN Thoughts created in six days? Did we evolve from molecules and monkeys? Are there really millions of years in Realize That God Loves You. creation? Does evolution fit into the Bible? These “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that are the many questions asked by many Christians whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John and unbelievers alike. Can we know the answer and 3:16). does it really matter anyway? The Bible Says That All Men Are Sinners. We can know the answer to all “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory to God.” (Romans 3:23). these questions. God has spoken and Think about it: has answered each of these questions from His Word. It does really matter God’s Word Also Says That Sin Must Be Paid For. Your view of Creation “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus what you believe about the creation Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). account. Why? Doubt in creation affects your view on all leads to doubt upon the rest of of the Bible. The Good News Is That Christ Paid for Our Sins. scripture. It tears down the authority “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, of the Bible.
  • Shabbat Shalom!

    Shabbat Shalom!

    THE WEEK AT A GLANCE 8:00 am Morning Service, Homestead Hebrew Chapel 12:00 pm All-Age Youth & Family Ice Skating, Schenley Park Skating Rink ENRICHING LIVES THROUGH COMMUNITY, Sunday, 1/6 ~ 29 Tevet 2:00 pm Intro to Judaism, Zweig Library LIFELONG JEWISH LEARNING, & SPIRITUAL GROWTH 7:00 pm Evening Service, Helfant Chapel 7:30 am Morning Service, Homestead Hebrew Chapel Monday, 1/7 ~ 1 Shevat 9:15 am Talmud Study, 61C Café, 1839 Murray Avenue Rosh Hodesh Shevat 7:00 pm Evening Service, Helfant Chapel 7:30 am Morning Service, Homestead Hebrew Chapel 12:00 pm Lunch & Learn Downtown, 535 Smithfield Street Shabbat Shalom! Tuesday, 1/8 ~ 2 Shevat 4:15 pm J-JEP, Classrooms 7:00 pm Evening Service, Helfant Chapel 28 Tevet, 5779 7:30 pm Board of Trustees Meeting, Lehman Center This week’s parashah is Va’era. 7:30 am Morning Service, Homestead Hebrew Chapel Wednesday, 1/9 ~ 3 Shevat 7:00 pm Evening Service, Helfant Chapel 7:30 am Morning Service, Homestead Hebrew Chapel Thursday, 1/10 ~ 4 Shevat 4:15 pm J-JEP, Classrooms 7:00 pm Evening Service, Helfant Chapel Friday, 1/11 ~ 5 Shevat 7:30 am Morning Service, Homestead Hebrew Chapel Candle lighting 4:55 pm 6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat, Helfant Chapel Friday, January 4, 2019 6:30 am Early Morning Shabbat Service, Homestead Hebrew Chapel Youth Services 9:30 am Shabbat Service, Faye Rubenstein Weiss Sanctuary Candle lighting 4:48 pm 10:00 am Youth Tefillah, Meet in Gym, then to respective services Saturday 10:30 am Shabbat Morning Discussion Service, Weinberg Pavilion Shababababa 5:45 pm Saturday, 1/12 ~ 6 Shevat 12:15 pm Congregational Kiddush, back of Faye Rubenstein Weiss Sanctuary 10:00-10:30 am - Gym is open.
  • Religious Calendar 2020-2021

    Religious Calendar 2020-2021

    Religious Calendar 2020-2021 Table “A” lists Major Holy Days of the most heavily represented faith groups among CMS students. Our records indicate a high level absenteeism in the district on these dates. CMS policy ACD, Section 2, states: “…examinations and other major events1 will not be scheduled on religious holidays designated by the Superintendent…” Table A Religion/Denomination Holiday Dates Islamic/Muslim Eid-ul-Adha July 31, 2020# (Friday) Jewish Rosh Hashanah September 19-20, 2020# (Saturday - Sunday) Starts at sundown the night before Jewish Yom Kippur September 28, 2020# (Monday) Starts at sundown the night before Christian (Protestant & Catholic) Christmas December 25, 2020 (Friday) Christian (Protestant & Catholic) Good Friday April 2, 2021 ( Friday) Jewish Passover (First Days) March 28-29, 2021#(Sunday - Monday) Starts at sundown the night before Islamic/Muslim Eid ul-Fitr (End of Ramadan) May 13, 2021# (Thursday) # Religious holidays for Islam, Judaism and Baha’i begin at sundown of the night before the observance date listed, with the following day being the first full day of the holiday. The holidays conclude at nightfall. Table “B” lists Major Holy Days in which students may be absent from school or school-related activities of the most heavily represented faith groups among CMS students. CMS policy ACD, Section 3, states: “students who miss school because of religious reasons should not be adversely affected because of the absence.” Please be mindful of these dates when planning school activities or classroom evaluations.
  • “Cliff Notes” 2021-2022 5781-5782

    “Cliff Notes” 2021-2022 5781-5782

    Jewish Day School “Cliff Notes” 2021-2022 5781-5782 A quick run-down with need-to-know info on: • Jewish holidays • Jewish language • Jewish terms related to prayer service SOURCES WE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE INFORMATION FOR THIS BOOKLET WAS TAKEN FROM: • www.interfaithfamily.com • Living a Jewish Life by Anita Diamant with Howard Cooper FOR MORE LEARNING, YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN THE FOLLOWING RESOURCES: • www.reformjudaism.org • www.myjewishlearning.com • Jewish Literacy by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin • The Jewish Book of Why by Alfred J. Kolatch • The Jewish Home by Daniel B. Syme • Judaism for Dummies by Rabbi Ted Falcon and David Blatner Table of Contents ABOUT THE CALENDAR 5 JEWISH HOLIDAYS Rosh haShanah 6 Yom Kippur 7 Sukkot 8 Simchat Torah 9 Chanukah 10 Tu B’Shevat 11 Purim 12 Pesach (Passover) 13 Yom haShoah 14 Yom haAtzmaut 15 Shavuot 16 Tisha B’Av 17 Shabbat 18 TERMS TO KNOW A TO Z 20 About the calendar... JEWISH TIME- For over 2,000 years, Jews have juggled two calendars. According to the secular calendar, the date changes at midnight, the week begins on Sunday, and the year starts in the winter. According to the Hebrew calendar, the day begins at sunset, the week begins on Saturday night, and the new year is celebrated in the fall. The secular, or Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar, based on the fact that it takes 365.25 days for the earth to circle the sun. With only 365 days in a year, after four years an extra day is added to February and there is a leap year.