Learn Hebrew: Hebrew Months & Seasons

This lesson introduces the essential vocabulary for navigating the calendar in Hebrew, covering the seasons, months, and the concept of the year. Understanding these terms is vital for daily conversation, scheduling, and following the cultural rhythm of life in Israel. You will learn the four seasons, such as אָבִיב (A-viv) for spring and חֹרֶף (Kho-ref) for winter, along with the general term for a season, עוֹנָה (O-nah).

A key pattern to observe is how plurals are formed for these time units. While the plural for season is עוֹנוֹת (O-not), using the feminine ending, the word for month, חֹדֶשׁ (Kho-desh), becomes חֳדָשִׁים (Kho-da-shim) in the plural, which uses the masculine plural suffix. The lesson also highlights the dual calendar system used in Israel. You will find the Gregorian months used for secular life, such as יָנוּאָר (Ya-nu-ar) and מֶרְץ (Mertz), which are easily recognizable transliterations. Alongside these are the traditional Hebrew months, such as תִּשְׁרֵי (Tish-rei) and אֱלוּל (E-lul), which are used for religious holidays and the Jewish calendar. Mastering both sets of months and the four עוֹנוֹת (O-not) will help you discuss plans and events throughout the שָׁנָה (Sha-nah), or year, with confidence.