Notable Dates in Nisan

Cyrus Crowned King of Babylonia

Cyrus was crowned 'King of Babylonia and King of All Lands' (538 BCE), enabling the rebuilding of the Second Temple.

Death of Nadav and Avihu

Nadav and Avihu, sons of Aharon, died after offering unauthorized fire before G-d on the day the Mishkan was inaugurated.

Ezra Departed Babylonia for Jerusalem

Ezra and his followers departed Babylonia for Jerusalem (457 BCE) on the anniversary of Cyrus's coronation.

First Mitzvah Given to the Jewish Nation

G-d commanded Moshe to sanctify the new month, establishing the first mitzvah given to the nation and designating Nisan as the head of all months.

Floodwaters Fully Receded

The floodwaters fully receded from the earth, as recorded in Bereishit 8:13.

King Chizkiyahu Reconsecrated the Beit HaMikdash

King Chizkiyahu began the reconsecration of the Beit HaMikdash, restoring the Temple service.

Mishkan (Tabernacle) Permanently Erected

The Mishkan was erected and inaugurated. Aharon performed the first sacrificial service and the Shekhinah descended.

Nesi'im Began Inaugural Offerings

The tribal princes began bringing inaugural offerings at the Mishkan, starting with Nachshon ben Aminadav of Yehudah.

Plot of Bigtan and Teresh Discovered

Mordechai discovered and reported the plot of Bigtan and Teresh to assassinate King Achashveirosh.

Rabbi Elimelech Szapira of Grodzhisk

A revered Chassidic master and grandson of the Kozhnitzer Maggid.

d. 1892

Rabbi Nachman of Breslov

Great-grandson of the Baal Shem Tov and founder of Breslov Chassidut, renowned for Likutey Moharan and his celebrated stories emphasizing joy and faith.

1772 – 1810

Ten Crowns of 1 Nisan

The Talmud teaches that 1 Nisan received ten crowns — ten unique distinctions including the first day of Creation and the inauguration of the priesthood.

Alhambra Decree — Expulsion of Jews from Spain

King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella signed the Alhambra Decree expelling all Jews from Spain (1492), exiling approximately 200,000 Jews.

Anti-Jewish Riots in Jerusalem

Anti-Jewish riots erupted in Jerusalem (1881).

First Parah Adumah (Red Heifer) Purification

Moshe performed the first Parah Adumah purification rite, establishing the means of spiritual purification from contact with the dead.

Massacre of the Jews of Mainz

The Jews of Mainz, Germany, were massacred (1283).

Rav Shalom Dov Ber Schneerson (Rebbe Rashab)

The 5th Lubavitcher Rebbe, author of hundreds of Chassidic discourses and founder of the Tomchei Temimim yeshiva network.

1860 – 1920

Children's Action in the Kovno Ghetto

Nazis raided the Kovno ghetto and seized all children for execution (1944), one of the most targeted atrocities against Jewish children.

Decree Expelling Jews from Spain and Sicily

A decree expelling Jews from Spain and Sicily was issued (1492).

Anti-Jewish Riots in Dabrowa, Poland

Anti-Jewish riots broke out in Dabrowa, Poland (1938).

Hadassah Hospital Convoy Ambush

A convoy of 78 physicians, nurses, and guards was ambushed on the way to Hadassah Hospital on Mount Scopus (1948).

Rav Yaakov Tzvi Mecklenberg

Author of HaKesav VeHaKabbalah, a major Torah commentary demonstrating how the Oral Torah is encoded in the language of the Written Torah.

d. 1865

2,500 Jews of Lublin Murdered

2,500 Jews of Lublin were murdered and the community deported to death camps (1942).

Rav Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apt (Ohev Yisrael)

Known as the Ohev Yisrael, a student of Rav Elimelech of Lizhensk renowned for his boundless love for every Jew.

1755 – 1825

Rehovot Attacked by Arabs

Rehovot was attacked by Arabs (1893).

Yehoshua Sent Scouts to Survey Jericho

Yehoshua sent two scouts to survey Jericho in advance of the Israelite conquest of the Land.

Founding of Afula

Afula was founded in the Jezreel Valley (1925), one of the first planned Jewish agricultural towns in the region.

Rav Chaim Abulafia

Born in Chevron, served as Rav of Tzefat and Tiberias, renowned as a wonder-worker who helped renew Jewish settlement in Tiberias.

1660 – 1744

Rav Meir Dan Plotsky

Author of Kli Chemdah on Chumash and head of the Mesivta yeshiva in Warsaw.

1866 – 1928

Hebrew University of Jerusalem Opened

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem was officially opened on Mount Scopus (1925) with Lord Balfour and Chaim Weizmann in attendance.

Massacre at Clifford's Tower, York

Approximately 150 Jews besieged in Clifford's Tower, York, took their own lives rather than submit to forced baptism (1190).

Yehoshua Dispatched Spies to Jericho (Chabad Tradition)

According to Chabad tradition, Yehoshua dispatched two spies to scout Jericho three days before the crossing of the Jordan.

180-Day Feast of Achashveirosh Ended

The 180-day feast of King Achashveirosh came to an end, as recounted in Megillat Esther.

First Rabbinic Opposition to the Chassidic Movement

The first rabbinic opposition to the Chassidic movement was announced in Vilna (1772), endorsed by the Vilna Gaon.

Rav Eliyahu Shapira of Prague

Author of Eliyahu Rabbah on Shulchan Aruch and Eliyahu Zuta on the Levush, major works on daily halachah.

1660 – 1712

Rav Mordechai of Neshchiz

A descendant of the Maharal of Prague and a disciple of Rav Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov, a revered Chassidic master.

1740 – 1800

Anti-Jewish Riots in Seville

Anti-Jewish riots erupted in Seville (1391), spreading across the Iberian Peninsula and claiming approximately 50,000 victims.

Host Desecration Accusation in Vienna

Jews of Vienna were accused of desecrating the Host; those who refused baptism were burned at the stake (1421).

Massacre in Bury St. Edmunds, England

Fifty-seven Jews were massacred in Bury St. Edmunds, England (1190).

Rav Aryeh Levine

The beloved 'Tzaddik of Yerushalayim,' known for his extraordinary devotion to prisoners, the sick, and all who were in need.

1885 – 1969

Rav Chaim Meir Hager (Imrei Chaim of Vizhnitz)

The Imrei Chaim of Vizhnitz, who rebuilt Vizhnitz Chassidut after the Holocaust and established Kiryat Vizhnitz in Bnei Brak.

1887 – 1972

Death of Miriam HaNevi'ah

Miriam the Prophetess died at age 126 in the desert; the miraculous well that accompanied the nation in her merit dried up.

Israelites Crossed the Jordan River

Led by Yehoshua, the Israelites crossed the Jordan River on dry ground into Eretz Yisrael and erected twelve memorial stones at Gilgal.

Selection of the Korban Pesach Lamb

Each Israelite family took a lamb for the Korban Pesach — an act of defiance against Egyptian idolatry and the beginning of the redemption.

Yom HaAliyah

Yom HaAliyah, established by the Knesset in 2016, commemorates the Jewish people's historic entry into the Land of Israel.

Brit Milah of the Wilderness Generation

The generation born in the wilderness underwent Brit Milah upon entering Eretz Yisrael.

Rav Moshe ben Nachman (Ramban / Nachmanides)

Author of the famed Torah commentary integrating peshat and Kabbalah, defender of the Rif, and disputant at Barcelona (1263).

1194 – 1270

Rav Yeshayahu Horowitz (Shelah HaKadosh)

Author of the Shnei Luchot HaBrit (Shelah), who served as chief rabbi of Prague and then of Jerusalem.

1560 – 1630

The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson

The seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe who transformed Chabad into one of the most influential forces in world Jewry, with over 5,000 centers worldwide.

1902 – 1994

Ezra Departed from the River Ahava

Ezra and his followers departed from the River Ahava on their journey to Jerusalem (457 BCE).

Rav Shimshon Dovid Pincus

Beloved rabbi of Ofakim who moved there at the request of the Steipler Gaon and Rav Shach, a prolific teacher on tefillah and emunah.

1944 – 2001

Bedikat Chametz

Bedikat Chametz, the search for leaven, is conducted on the evening of the 13th in preparation for Pesach.

Haman's Decree and Esther's Three-Day Fast

Haman issued the decree for the extermination of all Jews in the Persian Empire; Esther called for a three-day fast.

Nasi Reading — Aaron and the Menorah

The Nasi reading for the 13th of Nisan includes God's instructions to Aaron regarding the kindling of the Menorah.

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (Tzemach Tzedek)

The Tzemach Tzedek, 3rd Lubavitcher Rebbe, author of extensive responsa and Chassidic discourses, defender of Jewish rights in Russia.

1789 – 1866

Rav Ovadya Bartinuro Arrived in Jerusalem

Rav Ovadya Bartinuro arrived in Jerusalem (1488), where he revitalized the Jewish community.

Rav Yosef Karo

Author of the Shulchan Aruch, the universally accepted Code of Jewish Law, and the Beit Yosef commentary on the Tur.

1488 – 1575

Bi'ur Chametz — Burning of Leaven

Bi'ur Chametz, the burning and nullification of leaven, is performed before midday on Erev Pesach.

First Korban Pesach Offered in Egypt

The Israelites offered the first Korban Pesach in Egypt, placing the blood on their doorposts and lintels.

Naomi and Ruth Arrived in Beit Lechem

Naomi and Ruth arrived in Beit Lechem at the beginning of the barley harvest.

Offerings of Kayin and Hevel — First Murder

Kayin and Hevel brought offerings to God; Kayin's rejection led to the first murder in human history.

Ta'anit Bechorot — Fast of the Firstborn

Ta'anit Bechorot, the Fast of the Firstborn, commemorates the firstborn being spared from the Tenth Plague.

The Maharal of Prague, Rabbi Yehudah Loew ben Betzalel

The legendary scholar, philosopher, mystic, and communal leader of Prague, widely renowned as the creator of the Golem.

1520 – 1609

The Rambam, Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon (Maimonides)

The most illustrious figure in post-Talmudic Judaism — Talmudist, codifier, philosopher, and physician. Author of Mishneh Torah and Guide for the Perplexed.

1135 – 1204

Warsaw Ghetto Uprising

The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising broke out on Erev Pesach (1943), led by Mordechai Anielewicz — the first major urban uprising against the Nazis.

Birth of Yitzchak Avinu

Yitzchak Avinu was born to Avraham and Sarah on the first day of Pesach.

Brit Bein HaBetarim — Covenant Between the Parts

God made the Covenant Between the Parts with Avraham, foretelling the exile, the Exodus, and the inheritance of Eretz Yisrael.

Esther Appeared Before Achashveirosh

Esther appeared uninvited before King Achashveirosh to plead for the Jewish people.

Execution of Vashti

Vashti was executed by order of King Achashveirosh.

Fall of Masada

The defenders of Masada took their own lives rather than surrender to the Romans (73 CE).

Forced Conversion of Portuguese Jewish Children

An order was issued to seize all Portuguese Jewish children ages 4-14 for forced conversion (1497).

Iyov (Job)

Righteous man whose story of suffering and unwavering faith is the subject of the biblical Book of Job.

Miraculous Destruction of Sancherev's Army

The Assyrian army of Sancherev besieging Jerusalem was miraculously destroyed overnight.

Moshe Saw the Burning Bush

According to one tradition, Moshe saw the Burning Bush on this day.

The Exodus from Egypt

The Exodus from Egypt — G-d struck the Egyptian firstborn at midnight, and the Israelites departed at midday.

The Vilna Gaon (Rav Eliyahu ben Shlomo Zalman)

Born on the first night of Pesach, the Vilna Gaon became one of the greatest Torah scholars in history, mastering all areas of Torah and the sciences.

1720 – 1797

Birth of Levi ben Yaakov Avinu

Birth of Levi ben Yaakov Avinu, forefather of the priestly and Levitical tribes.

First Blood Libel — William of Norwich

The alleged murder of William of Norwich (1144) led to the first blood libel against Jews in the Middle Ages.

First Omer Offering and Cessation of the Manna

The first Omer offering was brought in Eretz Yisrael, the Omer count began, and the manna ceased.

Haman Hanged and Mordechai Appointed

Haman was hanged and Mordechai was appointed chief minister; Esther's second feast took place.

King Chizkiyahu Completed Rededication of the Beit HaMikdash

King Chizkiyahu completed the rededication of the Beit HaMikdash.

Nebi Musa Riots in Jerusalem

Arab rioters killed and wounded many Jews in Jerusalem during the Nebi Musa riots (1920).

Seven Sons of King Shaul Executed by the Gibeonites

Seven sons of King Shaul were executed by the Gibeonites in retribution for Shaul's violation of a covenant.

First Native-Born American Shochet

Solomon Etting of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, became the first native-born American Jew authorized as a shochet (1782).

Noah's Ark Rested on the Mountains of Ararat

Noah's ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat, according to the view that the world was created in Nisan.

Rav Meir Abuchatzeira

Son of the Baba Sali, revered as a holy man in Ashdod.

d. 1983

Rav Shlomo Wolbe

Famed mashgiach and author of Alei Shur, a foundational mussar work for the modern yeshiva student.

1916 – 2005

London Jews Martyred Following Ritual Murder Charges

London Jews were martyred following ritual murder charges (1279).

Pharaoh Informed of the Israelites' Flight

Pharaoh was informed that the Israelites had truly fled Egypt and were not returning.

Purim of the Bomb — Fossano, Italy

The Jews of Fossano, Italy, celebrated their miraculous escape from massacre and established a local Purim (1796).

Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik

Known as 'The Rav,' Rosh Yeshiva of YU and one of the most influential Orthodox thinkers of the 20th century.

1903 – 1993

Pharaoh Pursued the Israelites

Pharaoh set out in pursuit of the Israelites with his army, chariots, and horsemen.

Rabbi Meir Bar-Ilan (Berlin)

Leader of the Mizrachi Religious Zionist movement. Bar-Ilan University is named in his memory.

1880 – 1949

Rav Aharon HaGadol of Karlin

Student of the Maggid of Mezritch and founder of Chassidut in Belarus and the Karlin-Stolin dynasty.

1736 – 1772

Rav Menachem Ziemba

Chief Rabbi of Warsaw, killed during the Ghetto Uprising (1943), who ruled that armed resistance was a halachic obligation.

1883 – 1943

Rav Yehoshua Falk Katz

Author of the Sma on Choshen Mishpat and the Derishah and Perishah on the Tur, student of the Rema and Maharshal.

d. 1614

Pharaoh's Army Caught Up with the Israelites

Pharaoh's army caught up with the Israelites encamped at Pi-HaChirot by the sea.

Rav Hai Gaon

The last of the great Geonim of Pumbedita, whose death closed the era of Babylonian Jewish leadership spanning over eight centuries.

939 – 1038

Pharaoh's Decree Against Israelite Male Infants Annulled

Pharaoh's decree against Israelite male infants was annulled according to tradition.

Splitting of the Sea (Kriat Yam Suf)

The Israelites crossed the Red Sea on dry ground; the waters returned and drowned Pharaoh's entire army.

Yaakov Avinu Departed from Lavan

Yaakov Avinu departed from Lavan's home to return to Eretz Yisrael.

Acharon Shel Pesach — Eighth Day of Passover

Acharon Shel Pesach in the Diaspora (Eighth Day of Passover); Isru Chag in Eretz Yisrael.

Rav Yehuda Rosanes

Author of Mishneh LaMelech on the Rambam's Mishneh Torah, one of the most important commentaries on the Rambam's code.

1658 – 1727

Yehoshua Began the March Around Jericho

Yehoshua began the seven-day march around the walls of Jericho, the first military action of the Israelite conquest.

Fast Day of Cologne — Second Crusade

A fast day was observed by the Jews of Cologne in memory of anti-Jewish violence during the Second Crusade (1147).

Haganah Captured Katamon in Jerusalem

The Haganah captured Katamon in Jerusalem (1948), a key turning point in the battle for Jerusalem.

Mordechai and Esther Wrote Letters to the Jews

Mordechai and Esther wrote letters authorizing Jews throughout the Persian Empire to defend themselves.

Rav Moshe ben Yosef MiTrani (Mabit)

One of four scholars to receive special semicha in Tzefat (1538), author of Kiryat Sefer and Beit Elokim.

1505 – 1585

Israelites Paused at Marah — First Shabbat and Preliminary Laws

The Israelites paused at Marah, observed their first Shabbat, and received preliminary laws from Moshe.

Israelites Arrived at Elim

The Israelites arrived at Elim, where they found twelve springs of water and seventy date palms.

Rav Chaim Halberstam of Sanz

Author of Divrei Chaim and founder of the Sanzer dynasty, from which the Bobov and Klausenburg dynasties descend.

1793 – 1876

Yehoshua bin Nun

Successor of Moshe who led the Israelites into Eretz Yisrael, conquered the Land, and divided it among the tribes.

Rav Avigdor Miller

Mashgiach of Yeshivas Chaim Berlin and beloved Brooklyn rav, author of Rejoice O Youth and works on faith and Jewish history.

1908 – 2001

Yom HaShoah — Holocaust Remembrance Day

Yom HaShoah, designated by the Knesset (1951), commemorates the six million murdered and the heroism of the resistance.

Arab Attack on Petach Tikva Repelled

Jewish settlers repelled an Arab attack on Petach Tikva during the Arab Revolt (1936).

Rav Shabsai Sheftl Horowitz

Son of the Shelah HaKadosh, who published the Shnei Luchot HaBrit with his introduction Vavei HaAmudim, and served as Rav of Vienna.

1590 – 1660

Walls of Jericho Fell

The walls of Jericho fell after seven days of encirclement, completing the first conquest in Eretz Yisrael.

Arab Attacks on Petach Tikva — Jaffa Riots

Three Jews were killed and many wounded in Arab attacks on Petach Tikva during the Jaffa Riots (1921).

Rav Chaim Vital (Alternate Tradition)

Yahrzeit of Rav Chaim Vital according to the tradition placing it on 29 Nisan, the primary transmitter of Lurianic Kabbalah.

1542 – 1620

Rav Moshe Pallier of Kobrin

First Rebbe of the Kobrin Chassidic dynasty, a follower of Rav Mordechai of Lechovitch, whose teachings are collected in Imrot Tehorot.

1784 – 1858

Yitzchak Ben-Zvi

The second President of Israel, a scholar and advocate for Jewish communities of the East.

1884 – 1963

Zwetschgen Ta'anit of Bamberg

A mob attacked the Jews of Bamberg (1699); the community established a fast day and local Purim to commemorate the event.

Demolition of Yamit Completed

The demolition of Yamit in northern Sinai was completed (1982) as part of the Israeli-Egyptian peace accord.

Eight Jews Martyred in Przemyśl, Poland

Eight Jews were martyred in Przemyśl, Poland (1659).

Jewish Students Barred from German Schools

Jewish students were barred from German schools (1933) as part of escalating Nazi persecution.

Rabbeinu Yosef ibn Migash (Ri Migash)

Head of the academy of Lucena, praised by the Rambam as astounding in the depth and scope of his wisdom.

1077 – 1141

Rav Chaim Vital

Foremost student of the Arizal and primary transmitter of Lurianic Kabbalah, author of Eitz Chaim and Sha'arei Kedushah.

1543 – 1620

Rav Nesanel Weill

Av Beit Din of Karlsruhe and author of Korban Nesanel on the Rosh.

d. 1769

Rav Yaakov Emden (Ya'avetz)

Son of the Chacham Tzvi, a renowned scholar and fierce opponent of Sabbateanism, author of the Siddur Beit Yaakov.

1698 – 1776

Rosh Chodesh Iyar

Rosh Chodesh Iyar, the first day of the new month of Iyar.