April 6 - May 4   2008
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The triangular shapes represent the pyramids the Hebrew slaves were forced to build in Egypt. Look closely, they are made out of matzah! 		 
The name of 'This New Month' is Nisan
Rosh Chodesh Nisan is Sunday, April 6 and the month of Nisan ends on Sunday, May 4   2008

The Themes for Nisan are:
  • Pesach (Passover)
  • Freedom
Holidays in Nisan are:
  The month of Nisan is known by many names - simply as Nisan, as "HaChodesh HaRishon," the First Month and as "Chodesh HaAviv," - The Month of Spring. The name Nisan like the names of the other months is of Babylonian origin. It’s meaning is obscure although some scholars have recognized the similarity between Nisan and the Hebrew word Nitzan (bud), emphasizing the springtime significance of the month.

Although Nisan is today considered the seventh month, for most of our history it was considered "HaChodesh HaRishon," the first month. This is because Nisan is the start of the agricultural cycle and also the month of redemption as celebrated in the festival of Pesach (Passover). The Exodus from Egypt is the formative event in Jewish history and gives the month of Nisan special significance.

Nisan is also known as "Chodesh HaAviv," the month of spring. Pesach, in addition to its Freedom motifs, is also a celebration of spring. In Israel Nisan is always a month in which the countryside is green and covered in flowers. This springtime is celebrated with family vacations and youth trips in nature, before the summer months come and dry everything up.
 
CREDITS: The JCC Association would like to thank the following individuals for their contributions to the Nisan portion of the "This New Month" Project.
  • Simi Peters
 

 



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