What is…
Zif
Hebrew: זִ֗ו —transliteration: Ziv —meaning: brightness; splendor
also known as: Ziv, Iyar, the flower month
This is the “second month” of the Jewish ecclesiastical calendar (approximately April-May).
It was later called “Iyar” by the Jews.
Biblical events related to the 2nd month
- The Earth declared dry from the Floodwaters (Genesis 8:14)
- King Solomon began to build the first temple of Jehovah (1 Kings 6:1)
- “The foundation of the house of the Lord was laid” by Solomon (1 Kings 6:37)
- Jerusalem’s rebuilt walls were dedicated—nearly 88 years after their destruction by Nebuchadnezzar II
- Death of Eli the High Priest and his two sons
- “Second Passover” — an additional opportunity for Israelites to offer the paschal sacrifice, for individuals who were impure on the main Passover holiday (Numbers 9)
- Modern Israel declared its independence (founded May 14, 1948)
Jewish months
| Month Number | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biblical Ecclesiastical |
Civil | Name | Days | Rough equivalent |
| 1 | 7 | Nisan / Abib | 30 | Mar–Apr |
| 2 | 8 | Zif (Ziv) / Iyar | 29 | Apr–May |
| 3 | 9 | Sivan / Siwan | 30 | May–Jun |
| 4 | 10 | Tammuz / Tamuz | 29 | Jun–Jul |
| 5 | 11 | Av / Ab | 30 | Jul–Aug |
| 6 | 12 | Elul | 29 | Aug–Sep |
| 7 | 1 | Ethanim / Tisri (Tishrei)) | 30 | Sep–Oct |
| 8 | 2 | Bul / Marcheshvan (Cheshvan) | 29/30 | Oct–Nov |
| 9 | 3 | Chisleu / Chislev / Kislev | 30/29 | Nov–Dec |
| 10 | 4 | Tebeth / Tevet | 29 | Dec–Jan |
| 11 | 5 | Sebat / Shevat / Shvat / Shebat | 30 | Jan–Feb |
| 12 | 6 | Adar | 29 | Feb–Mar |
More information
Article Version: June 4, 2021