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What is the origin of the names for the Jewish months (Nissan, Tishrei...)?

by Rabbi Yossi Marcus

  

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According to the Jerusalem Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 1:2), the names of the months “went up with [the Jews] from Babylonia.” This is generally understood to mean that during their exile in Babylonia the Jews borrowed these names from the language of their host country. (See Ibn Ezra, Chizkuni and Ramban on Exodus 12:2.)

However, the Talmud’s statement can also be understood to mean that the use of these names went up with them from Babylon, but that they existed long before. See, for example, the commentary attributed to Rashi on Bereishit Rabbah 48:9: “before that time [these names] were not revealed,” implying that they existed before.

See Likutei Sichot, vol. 32, p. 73-4.


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Talmud
Usually referring to the Babylonian edition, it is a compilation of Rabbinic law, commentary and analysis compiled over a 600 year period (200 BCE - 427 CE). Talmudic verse serves as the bedrock of all classic and modern-day Torah-Jewish literature.
Rosh Hashanah
The Jewish New Year. An early autumn two day holiday marking the creation of Adam and Eve. On this day we hear the blasts of the ram's horn and accept G-d's sovereignty upon ourselves and the world. On Rosh Hashanah we pray that G-d should grant us all a sweet New Year.
Rashi
Acronym for Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki (1040-1105). Legendary French scholar who authored the fundemental and widely accepted "Rashi commentary" on the entire Bible and Talmud.
Jerusalem
Established by King David to be the eternal capital of Israel. Both Temples were built there, and the third Temple will be situated there when the Messiah comes.
Ezra
1. A Hebrew priest and scribe, who, together with Nehemiah, revived Judaism in the 4th century BCE. He was instrumental in the building of the 2nd Temple. 2. One of the 24 books of the Bible, which describes the events of Ezra's lifetime.
Exodus
1. The miraculous departure of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage in 1312 BCE. 2. The second of the Five Books of Moses. This book describes the aforementioned Exodus, the giving of the Torah, and the erection of the Tabernacle.