By Hyphen Parent | FāVS News
Rosh Hashanah literally means the “Head of the year.” When someone refers to the “Jewish New Year,” they’re most likely talking about Rosh Hashanah. However, Judaism actually has four new years.
Mishnah Rosh Hashanah 1:1 lists four new years.
- 1st of Nisan – New year for kings and festivals
- 1st of Elul – New year for animals and tithes
- 1st of Tishrei – New year for years
- 15th of Shevat – New year for trees
1st of Nisan New Year for Kings
The Torah tells us that, on the 1st of Nissan, G-d told Moses, “This month shall be for you the head of months, the first of the months of the year” (Exodus 12:2) This was used to date king’s reigns. Pesach/Passover falls in the middle of this month. A continued reading in Exodus shows us that, immediately after telling Moses about this date, G-d gives specific instructions on how to observe Pesach.
1st of Elul New Year for Animals
The 1st of Elul was used to date animals. This date marked the cut off for counting the flock. In Temple times, every 10th animal was tithed. Animals born before that date had to be included in the tithes for the year. In modern times, some Jewish groups use the 1st of Elul to bring awareness to animal rights.
1st of Tishrei New Year for Years
Rosh Hashanah falls on the first of Tishrei. This is considered the birthday of the world. It’s a major holiday in Judaism. It’s also the beginning or ending date for some agricultural laws.
15th of Shevat – New Year for Trees
Tu B’shevat translates to the 15th of Shabbat. It’s known as the birthday of trees or new year for trees. Farmers rely on this date to determine when fruit can be eaten according to Jewish law. Tu B’Shevat is often celebrated today by planting trees or other plants, eating new fruits including those from the seven species mentioned in the Torah (wheat, barley, grapes/vines, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates), and with a seder. The Tu B’shevat seder involves eating certain fruits in a certain order to celebrate the spiritual connection to the natural world.
Rosh Hashanah is generally considered the Jewish New Year, but Judaism has three other dates to count other important markers throughout the year.
The views expressed in this opinion column are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of FāVS News. FāVS News values diverse perspectives and thoughtful analysis on matters of faith and spirituality.
