The Hillel Calendar- Biblical Authority or Rabbinic Tradition? | Episode #137

The Hillel Calendar- Biblical Authority or Rabbinic Tradition? | Episode #137

September 15, 2026 · 42 min

Why do most Jews today follow a calculated calendar rather than sighting the new crescent moon? And if modern communication allows people around the world to know almost instantly when the moon is sighted in Israel, why is the fixed Hillel calendar still necessary?

In this episode of the Sighted Moon Podcast, Ryan Nall and Joseph Dumond examine the history and authority behind the Jewish calendar, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Teruah, the role of the Sanhedrin, the ancient system of witnesses reporting the new moon, and the postponement rules that can affect when the appointed times are observed.

But the discussion eventually reaches a much deeper question: Who has the authority to determine Yehovah’s appointed times?

Did the judges of Israel have authority merely to evaluate witnesses and declare the month, or did that authority extend to establishing a calculated calendar and postponing holy days? What happened when the Sanhedrin ceased functioning? Was the fixed calendar a necessary solution for Jews scattered throughout the nations—or did it ultimately replace the method established in Scripture?

We also discuss Hillel II, the historical development of the Jewish calendar, the authority later attributed to it, and whether modern believers should continue following that system now that communication with the land of Israel is instantaneous.

And finally, we wrestle with an important question that shouldn’t be ignored: Are those who reject the rabbinic calendar restoring something that was lost—or are they rejecting the authority Yehovah gave Israel’s judges?

Join us as we examine the biblical calendar, Jewish tradition, and the difficult question of authority surrounding Yehovah’s appointed times.

Topics include: Yom Teruah • Rosh Hashanah • Hillel II • Jewish calendar • crescent moon • Sanhedrin • new moon witnesses • postponement rules • Leviticus 23 • biblical feast days • rabbinic authority • appointed times

If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share to help others discover these important discussions on faith, Israel, and biblical truth.

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