Counting the Years

Question

This year in the Jewish calendar, we are in the year 5766. Since when did we start to count in order to be now in the year 5766?

Answer

If I understand your question correctly, you are asking what event marks year 0 in the counting by which we arrive at, currently, year 5766. If so, the answer is that creation marks year 0 and the beginning of time. The year 5766 is arrived by calculating ages of people and generations mentioned in the Bible going back to creation. If I did not understand your question correctly, please let me know.

Be well,
Rabbi Yoel Spotts

Follow-up question

Question

If the creation occurred in the year “0”, at what point in time did the Hebrew calender start counting approximate Gregorian years (i.e. 365 days…give or take) and not by calculating the ages of people and/or generations?

Answer

Although the Torah in Genesis does record the ages of the various personalities, and we find such a record in other parts of the Bible, the Hebrew calendar has always been calculated as it is today (more or less). The Hebrew calendar is a lunar calendar with solar correction. The Hebrew and Gregorian calendar meet up once every 19 years. Every single year since the year 0 (we have just entered year 5767) is rendered with this same calendar. The only difference is that in times of old, the new month was announced based upon the testimony of witnesses, whereas today (for various reasons), the calendar is based upon complex formulas and calculations.

Be well,
Rabbi Yoel Spotts