Many Faiths Are Centered On Different Calendar Systems

September 26, 2003

Source: The Dallas Morning News

http://www.dallasnews.com/religion/stories/092703dnrelcalendar.bf358.html

On September 26, 2003 The Dallas Morning News ran a feature article on the different calendar systems of various faiths, using the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, celebrating the beginning of the Jewish year 5764, to jump-start the calendric comparisons. Susan Hogan writes, "At least 50,000 North Texans are waking up to a new year: 5764. And an old year: 2003. But forget the party hats and noisemakers. This is Rosh Hashana, the beginning of a 10-day period of intense introspection and prayer for Jews. Perhaps more than at any other time, Jews are reminded that they live by two calendars. And with synagogues packed to usher in a year that others don't observe, followers of other world religions can relate. For Muslims, this is 1424, dated from the year that Muhammad is said to have fled to Medina to escape religious persecution. A calendar hanging inside the Dallas Central Mosque shows the secular and Islamic months side by side."