The first month of the ecclesiastical year in the Hebrew calendar is known as Aviv. It is a spring month, specifically designated by its association with the ripening of barley. The determination of its beginning is linked to the observable stage of barley growth reaching the “aviv” stage, signifying that the crop is nearing harvest.
This month holds significant religious and historical importance within Judaism. It is inextricably linked to the Exodus from Egypt, a foundational event in Jewish history. The Passover festival, commemorating this liberation, is observed during this time, solidifying the month’s association with new beginnings, freedom, and the establishment of a national identity. The agricultural connection highlights the bounty and provision attributed to divine favor.
