ראש השנה – Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah 2 ~ A New Year for Health

How a Jewish physician declared a New Year for Health in the fight against tuberculosis.

Rosh Hashanah 6b ~ How Long is a Year?

On the several ways of measuring “one solar year.”

Rosh Hashanah 20b ~ When can the New Moon be Seen?

According to the Talmud, a mere six hours after the lunar conjunction (molad). But that is simply not possible.

Rosh Hashanah 22a ~ Another Tuviah the Doctor

On two doctors named Tuviah who saw the future. One is listed in the Mishnah, the other wrote an important early Jewish encyclopedia.

Rosh Hashanah 24b ~ Starry Images in Synagogues

Rabban Gamliel needed a special reason to keep images of the moon. But in sixth century Israel, they adorned the synagogue.

Rosh Hashanah 25 ~ The Length of the Lunar Month

The length of the lunar month was very accurately determined. Was it revealed by God, or learned from the Babylonians?

Rosh Hashanah 26a~ How Does a Cow Grow Her Horn?

Abayye was correct. Cows do grow their horns in layers. As do sheep.

Rosh Hashanah 34a ~ On the Uses of Urine

Why urine was thought to be good for the shofar, and for preventing plague.