Siwan

Third ecclesiastical and ninth civil month. It has thirty days, and coincides, approximately, with the Roman month of June. On Siwan 3, 4, and 5 ( = "the three days of the bounds") are commemorated the three days' preparation preceding the receiving of the Law on Mount Sinai. These days, with Lag be-'Omer and Rosh Ḥodesh, are distinguished from other days of Sefirah in that marriages may be celebrated on them. On Siwan 6 and 7 the Feast of Weeks (Shebu'ot) is celebrated. In the Talmud the 6th is called the New-Year of the Two Loaves (R. H. 7b). The Megillat Ta'anit gives the following fast-days: Siwan 23, in commemoration of the suspension, during the reign of Jeroboam, of the sending of the first-fruits to Jerusalem; Siwan 25, in commemoration of the martyrdom of Simeon ben Gamaliel, Samuel ben Elisha, and Ḥanina Segan ha-Kohanim; Siwan 27, the anniversary of the burning of Hananish ben Teradion at the stake.

A. I. Br.