Nisan was the first month in the Torah: In the Bible, Nisan is described as the first month, and the month in which the world was created.
Tishrei became the first month after the exile: The Babylonian name Tishrei was brought back by the Jewish people after returning from Babylonia.
1. Nisan/Abib (March – April)
Passover
Time of full moon, on the 14th day of Nisan
2. Iyar/Zif (April – May)
3. Sivan (May – June)
Pentecost, festival of weeks or first ripe fruit. Called by Shavuot by Jews.
It was to be celebrated on the 50th day (Pentecost means “Fiftieth [Day]”) from Nisan 16, the day that the barley sheaf was offered. Starts 6th Sivan.
4. Tammuz (June – July)
5. Av (July – August)
6. Elul (August – September)
7. Tishrei/Ethanim (September – October)
Festival of Booths. Called Sukkot by Jews.
Ethanim 15-21, with a solemn assembly on the 22nd. Ethanim (Tishri; September-October) was originally the first month of the Jewish calendar, but after the Exodus from Egypt it became the seventh month of the sacred year, since Abib (Nisan; March-April), formerly the seventh month, was made the first month.
8. Heshvan/Bul (October – November)
9. Kislev/Chislev (November – December)
Festival of Dedication. Called Hanukkah by Jews.
The celebration lasted eight days from Chislev 25 onward
10. Tevet (December – January)
11. Shevat (January – February)
12. Adar (February – March
In a leap year: Adar is split into two months Adar I and Adar II where Adar I is 30 days long and Adar II is 29 days long.
