As in all cultures, the Jews celebrated special days during the course of a year. In patriarchal times, the Israelites considered that the year ended when the last of the fruits were gathered in the fall, and the new year then began with the fall plowing and planting. The first month corresponded roughly to October. But when the Israelites left Egypt, God said the month of their liberation should be the first month. In the Bible the months are numbered on that basis, so