Baltimore, MD - Feb. 10, 2016 - As we celebrate Rosh Chodesh Adar Rishon, we are reminded that this year is a leap year with a second Adar to follow.  It is, actually, a leap year (i.e., there are 29 days in February) in the civil calendar, as well. The phenomenon of Hebrew and civil leap years occurring simultaneously has happened every 8 years since 1976 and will continue until 2024, according to STAR-K Kashrus Administrator Rabbi Dovid Heber, who says that it won’t happen again after that until 2052.

Last month, Rabbi Heber gave a shiur to a Senior Kollel in Baltimore on understanding the leap year and the halachos related to both months of Adar. Listen here:

In a STAR-K presentation, “The Twists of the Jewish Calendar”, recorded on 11/28/12, Rabbi Heber also discussed leap years with STAR-K Kashrus Administrator Rabbi Zvi Goldberg. Watch below:

 

May our simcha be doubled this year with the advent of two Adars in this leap year!