A weekly feature of Torah Tidbits to help clarify practical and conceptual aspects of the Jewish Calendar, thereby better fulfilling the mitzva of HaChodesh HaZeh Lachem... The Rosh Chodesh of Tishrei is occulted by Rosh HaShana, with only token reference to the fact that it is also Rosh Chodesh. Rosh Chodesh Tishrei was not "benched" on the Shabbat before, nor was the Molad announced. Yet the Molad of Tishrei is used to fix the day of Rosh HaShana each year, and two consecutive Rosh HaShanas will determine the exact length of the year. (You really don't have to know this, because calendar makers do - but it's good to know!) The Molad of Tishrei 5762 is MON 22h 5m 16p. Since the Molad is after noon, it is called a MOLAD ZAKEN and Rosh HaShana is fixed on the following day, Tuesday (and Wednesday). The Molad of Tishrei 5763 will be SHA 6h 54m 10p. Rosh HaShana is fixed on the day of the Molad (when none of 4 different situations exist), so RH 5763 will be Shabbat-Sunday. 5762 is a 12-month year. To go from this RH to the next requires 354 days. The months this year neatly alternate 30 days - 29 days throughout. [The Vayeilech Homepage]
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