Understanding Why Yom Kippur is Late This Year: A Deep Dive
Explore why Yom Kippur falls later this year, focusing on the lunar Hebrew calendar and its adjustments.
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Yom Kippur's date varies annually as it follows the lunar-based Hebrew calendar, differing from the solar Gregorian calendar. This year, it falls later because of a leap year in the Jewish calendar, which adds an extra month to realign with the solar year. This periodic adjustment ensures that important festivals such as Yom Kippur coincide with their traditional seasons. Such calendar intricacies reflect a balance between lunar cycles and solar influences, keeping traditions aligned across time.
FAQs & Answers
- What determines the date of Yom Kippur each year? Yom Kippur's date is determined by the lunar-based Hebrew calendar, which differs from the solar Gregorian calendar. Its timing changes annually, based on lunar cycles.
- Why do some years have a later Yom Kippur? A later Yom Kippur occurs during a leap year in the Jewish calendar, which adds an extra month to realign with the solar year.
- How does the Jewish leap year affect holidays? A Jewish leap year adds an extra month, helping to maintain seasonal alignment of Jewish holidays, including Yom Kippur, with their traditional timings.
- Are there other Jewish holidays affected by the Hebrew calendar? Yes, many Jewish holidays, including Passover and Rosh Hashanah, are influenced by the lunar Hebrew calendar and may vary each year.