Some principal events recorded in the month of Iyar include the following: The census of the people of Israel began under Moses (Num. 1:1-2:18). Solomon began the construction of the First Temple (2 Chron. 3:2). According to Jewish tradition, Eli the high priest died (cf. 1 Sam. 4:1-18). The Israelites arrived in the Wilderness of Sin (Exod. 16:1). The institution of Pesach Sheni-the Second Passover (Num. 9:6-14). The manna began to fall (Exod. 16). Israel arrived at Rephidim (Exod. 17:1;...

The Month of Shevat is the eleventh month in the biblical calendar. One of the central observances connected to Shevat is Tu Bishvat, known as the New Year of the Trees. Rabbinic tradition teaches that by the fifteenth of Shevat, most of the winter rain has fallen and the land of Israel begins to show signs of renewal. The almond tree is the first to blossom in Israel, yet it is the last to bear fruit. Often blossoms appear while fruit from the previous season still remains, creating an image...