Discovering Iyar: The Month of Renewal

1. Iyar is the eighth month in the Hebrew calendar for years starting in Tishrei and the second month for those beginning in Nisan.

2. Following the established Hebrew calendar, Iyar always has 29 days (often referred to as a "deficient month").

3. Like the names of other months in the Hebrew calendar, the name 'Iyar' comes from the Babylonian exile. It is derived from the Akkadian word "āyāru," meaning "light."

4. The zodiac sign of the month Iyar is Taurus. During this month, fields are lush with grass, and bulls venture out to graze after the cold winter months.

5. In the Bible, this month is also called "Yerach Ziv," named for the glow of the sun, which is particularly noticeable during this time. In ancient times, messengers would leave Jerusalem to announce the new month due to the significance of the second Passover.

6. Another interpretation of "Ziv" is "bud," reflecting the budding flowers seen in the fields during this season. In an agricultural Hebrew calendar uncovered in excavations at Gezer (dating back to the 10th century BCE), Iyar is referred to as "the month of barley harvest."

7. Significant events that occurred during this month include: On the 2nd of Iyar – King Solomon begins building the Holy Temple; on the 7th of Iyar – the inauguration of the walls of Jerusalem in the times of Ezra and Nehemiah; on the 18th of Iyar – the passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai; and on the 28th of Iyar – the passing of the Prophet Samuel.

8. Important Jewish observances in this month include: On the 14th of Iyar – the second Passover, allowing those who were impure during the first Passover a second chance to offer the Paschal sacrifice; on the 18th of Iyar – Lag B'Omer. The whole month of Iyar falls within the counting of the Omer.

9. Some associate Iyar with healing attributes, as it is believed that during this month, manna began to fall in the desert. The manna, referred to as ''the bread of angels,'' is said to have caused no illnesses, suggesting that Iyar holds potential for healing.

10. In various texts, Iyar is seen as a month of healing, derived from the acronym of Iyar: "Ani Hashem Rofecha" (I am Hashem, your Healer).