The Hebrew Calendar

Today, while watching Shtisel, I learned about the Hebrew calendar. It begins in 3761 BC, a date calculated in the 2nd century CE based on a theological interpretation of the Book of Genesis. Jewish scholars chronologically mapped out key biblical events, such as Adam’s creation, Noah’s Ark, Solomon’s reign, the Exodus, etc. leading to the establishment of 3761 BCE as the year of creation. In the series, an orthodox Jew while insisting on writing the Hebrew date on a cheque says, ‘Why should I care whether Jesus was born 2000 years ago or 2 days earlier’! 😊

The Hebrew calendar is lunisolar, meaning its months follow the moon, while years are adjusted according to the sun. This ensures that Jewish festivals always occur in the same seasons. Additionally, the Jewish day begins at sunset, which is the Jewish Sabbath starts on Friday evening and ends on Saturday evening. According to this calendar, we are currently in the year 5785.

Back home, the Malayalam calendar began in the year 825 CE, marking the start of the Kollam Era. According to this system, we are now in the year 1200. The Islamic calendar (Hijri calendar), on the other hand, begins in 622 CE, marking the Hijra—the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers from Mecca to Medina. This means we are currently in the year 1446.

So one can simultaneously be in the 58^th, 7^th, 15^th or 21^st century. Only religion and gods could inspire us to create such a fascinating array of timelines. Trust religion to ensure that even time refuses to be absolute. Which calendar year are you in right now?