The Hebrew Months (or more so the year) begins with the month of Aviv. Exodus 12:2 establishes that Aviv is the beginning of months; however, in Deuteronomy 16:1, we are commanded to guard this month because it is the month in which Israel was emancipated from Egyptian slavery. The name of this month indicates the state of the barley, which means “Ear Forming” or to sprout. On the last week of the month of Adar (the 12^th month), a search is initiated to inspect the state of the barley. If the barely is in fact sprouted (and the ear is forming), then the very next new moon, which occurs within one to five days after the discovery, begins the new year. If the barley is not sprouted (or aviv), then a 13th month is added, commonly referred to as Adar Bet. (Please note that some of the months’ names on the Jewish Calendar are of Babylonian origin).

Please view our in-depth teaching on Understanding Aviv & the Biblical Calendar