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Page 284
The consequence of this arrangement is that a year may consist of either 353, 354, 355, 383, 384, or 385 days.
Common
Leap
Deficient
353
383
Regular
354
384
Excessive
355
385

9.4.1.1.5
The Molad
One intention of this arrangement is that each month should begin close to the Molad (time of the new moon). Using the accepted value of the lunation, it is possible, by successive subtractions, to determine an epoch for the Jewish calendar, which is Anno Mundi 1 Tishri 1, at 204 halakim after hour five. This time is the theoretical starting point for Molad calculations. All succeeding Moladoth are calculated from this point.
Every month must begin on a day close to the Molad. In particular, the first day of the year, Rosh Hashanah, the first day of the month of Tishri, must fall on the Molad. The calculation of the Molad Tishri is further complicated, however, by some additional constraints in the Jewish calendar.
Table 9.16 Months in a leap year.
Month NumberMonth NameNumber of Days
1Tishri30
2Heshvan29, 30 in excessive years
3Kislev30, 29 in deficient years
4Tevet29
5Shevat30
6Adar I30, the intercalated month
7Adar II29
8Nisan30
9Iyar29
10Sivan30
11Tammuz29
12Av30
13Elul29

 
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