IYAR:
Month 2 | Iyar: “I am the Lord your healer.”
- Prayer Request
- Praise Report
Focus: Healing
Letter: Vav (ו)
Tribe: Issachar
Sense: Thought
Although Iyar does not contain many “special days,” every single day of the month is included in the Counting of the Omer. This month is a period of introspection and self-refinement, as we prepare ourselves to receive the Torah and the Spirit anew on Pentecost. Each day of Iyar represents another step in this spiritual journey toward Mount Sinai.
Iyar is probably the name the exiles adopted during their time in Babylonian. 1 Kings 16:1 refers to Iyar as Ziv (“brightness”) because, during this month, the sun shines most brilliantly, and the summer solstice occurs (at least in the Northern Hemisphere). Jewish tradition states that the generation that left Egypt became radiant during this Iyar, for God healed them of their blemishes as they prepared to receive the Torah at Sinai. Hence the Hebrew spelling of this month is often seen as an acronym: For “I am the Lord Your Healer” (אני יהוה רופאך). The first three letters (איר) comprise the Hebrew name of this month. This is a month of healing.
The 14th day of Iyar is Pesach Sheni, “the second Passover.” The Torah describes how God created this holiday at the request of those who, for reasons beyond their control, were unable to offer the paschal sacrifice in its proper time. One month later, they received a second chance. Pesach Sheni reminds us that it’s never too late with God. With the Lord’s grace and our sincere effort, yesterday’s missed opportunity can become today’s achievement.
Major Jewish and Biblical Events in History in Iyar:
05 Iyar:
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- State of Israel Proclaimed (1948)
- Buchenwald Liberated (1945)
07 Iyar: Jerusalem’s Rebuilt Walls Dedicated (335 BC)
08 Iyar: 1st Crusade Begins (1096)
10 Iyar: Passing of Eli and his two sons (891 BC)
13 Iyar: The Jews of Berne, Switzerland were expelled on this date in 1427
14 Iyar:
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- God established the “second Passover” (pesach sheini) for anyone who was unable to bring the offering on its appointed time in the previous month (Numbers 9).
- The Jews of Bisenz, Austria were massacred in 1605
15 Iyar:
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- The supply of matzah the Israelites brought out of Egypt ran out
- Jews expelled from Russia (1727)
26 Iyar: Six-Day War Began (1967)
28 Iyar:
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- Passing of Samuel (877 BC)
- “Jerusalem Day” – Jerusalem Liberated (1967)
DON'T MISS THE CALENDAR
Tishrei: The Month of Renewal in the Hebrew Calendar
God renews creation. Tishrei’s festivals all focus on the person praying, waiting, and relying upon the Lord. Consequently, this month’s other name (Ethanim meaning “strong”) makes perfect sense, as “they who wait for Adonai will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31).
Elul: The Month of Repentance, Returning, and Spiritual Intimacy in the Hebrew Calendar
Each day of the month of Elul (except for Shabbat and the last day of Elul), the Jewish people sound the shofar (ram’s horn) as a call to repentance. The Jewish people teach that the “King is in the Field” during Elul—God is readily accessible, willing to hear our requests and listen to our fervent prayers for the coming new year.
Kislev: The Month of Trust and Dedication in the Hebrew Calendar
Kislev is often playfully re-written as Kis-Lev (Purse of the Heart). Kislev is a time to examine what is in our hearts. It’s also time to fill them with reminders of the goodness of God. These concepts are most evident during the holiday that falls during this month: Chanukah, the Festival of Lights.