Episode Details

On what criteria is the decision made to intercalate the month?

One of the criteria is that it needs to be done by those chosen by the Nasi. A case is brought where an uninvited individual participated, and Rabban Gamliel asked whoever was not invited to leave. Shmuel HaKatan, to avoid embarrassing the individual, took the blame upon himself. Other rabbis have also acted in similar ways in different situations to prevent causing embarrassment to others.

The decision to intercalate the year requires the approval of the Nasi. When making this decision, several factors are considered, while others are not. In addition to practical concerns like roads still being wet, three primary factors are evaluated: The readiness of the new grain crop, the ripening of new fruits, and the date of the equinox. Furthermore, the majority of the three main regions of Israel—Judea, the Galilee, and Trans-Jordan—are taken into consideration.

The decision to intercalate must be made during the day, not at night.