27 January 2024:
The beginning of the next Hebrew month is expected to be visible on or around 11 February 2024. We are eagerly watching the barley reports from the land of Israel to know whether the next new moon will be the beginning of a 13th Hebrew month, or whether it will be the head of the new Hebrew year (Rosh HaShanah). As we explain in several studies, it is necessary to have an omer-quantity of firstfruits aviv barley for the wave sheaf offering within the 15-21 day time period after declaring Rosh HaShanah. Becca Biderman reports:
“Currently, as of 27 January 2024, there is no quantity of mature barley available that would have the appearance it could produce starch. If we had to declare it [Rosh HaShanah] at this point, we could not declar it [Rosh HaShanah].”
“I’m not saying it’s not possible. I’m saying that the first of the next [Hebrew] month, which should be (if it’s a 12-month year) the first month of the year [Rosh HaShanah], I’m saying that’s quickly approaching. And you know, last year was awful close, but we were watching something. This year I really don’t have anything that I’m watching.”
In her barley report 27 January 2024 video update, Becca explains that the first rains in Israel came early this year, giving enough rain for an ‘early flush’ of barley. Israel then went into a protracted dry season. Because of the stressed conditions, this early flush of barley began producing heads for survival purposes. However, there was not enough of mature aviv barley to make an omer. Currently, “a protracted season of excessive rains and cold weather” has returned to Israel and this weather system is expected to continue for at least the week ahead. This means that barley will no longer be forced to produce grain heads out of stressed conditions, but will now have the opportunity to grow taller and healthier, leading to a healthier grain. In other words, the barley is expected to enter a longer growing stage before entering the aviv stage.
As of 27 January 2024, we have not received any reports of an omer-quantitiy of aviv barley ready in the land of Israel necessary for a declaration of Rosh HaShanah at the next new moon. However, barley has a fast gestation period and things can change quickly in the land of Israel. And it is important to watch and be ready for Yahweh’s timing.
Becca stated that there are a couple of other areas that she plans to inspect in the week ahead. Please check back to Torah Calendar News 2024 for future updates.
