Which Hebrew calendar does We Be Shabbatin' use to determine the appointed times?
Shalom, friends! We receive thoughtful questions about how the Hebrew months and appointed times are determined. Because believers study several different calendar methods, we want to be transparent about ours.
The basis for our WBS calendar
Our 2026–2027 Biblical Hebrew Calendar uses the standard fixed calculated Hebrew calendar commonly associated with Hillel II for its Hebrew dates and the placement of the appointed times.
This is a lunisolar calendar: its months are arranged according to a lunar framework, while a calculated leap-month system keeps the calendar aligned with the solar seasons. It follows established mathematical rules rather than waiting for a visible moon sighting each month.
When does a biblical day begin?
Following the traditional sunset-to-sunset reckoning of biblical days, Shabbat begins Friday evening and ends Saturday evening. Similarly, a festival identified on a particular Gregorian date begins at sunset the evening before that civil date.
Exact sunset times vary by location and season. Our printed calendars provide the dates but do not provide personalized candle-lighting or sunset times for each household.
Is this an observational new-moon or Aviv-barley calendar?
No. Some believers begin Hebrew months based on observing the new crescent moon, and some use the ripening of Aviv barley in Israel to determine the beginning of the biblical year.
Our calendar uses the fixed calculated Hebrew calendar rather than those observation-based methods.
Is this the Zadok or Enoch 364-day calendar?
No. Interpretations associated with the Zadokite priesthood, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and a 364-day solar calendar differ from the fixed lunisolar Hebrew calendar we use. The historical evidence and its modern application remain subjects of study and disagreement.
Because the methods are different, certain months and festival dates may also differ. Our calendars should not be described as Zadok-style or observational calendars.
What do we include?
We mark Hebrew dates and biblical appointed times according to the fixed Hebrew calendar. Certain communities observe additional festival days by custom, particularly outside Israel; those additional days are not necessarily shown as separate dates in our calendars.
Where Hanukkah appears, we identify it as the historical Feast of Dedication, not as one of the appointed times commanded in Leviticus 23 (see John 10:22–23).
Why do we use this method?
Our goal is to give families a consistent, clearly identified calendar they can use to study the biblical months and plan ahead for YHWH's appointed times. We recognize that calendar questions are meaningful and deserve careful examination of Scripture and history.
We're glad to explain the method behind our products without suggesting that every historical question about biblical timekeeping is settled.
Where can I purchase a genuine WBS calendar?
Our original We Be Shabbatin' calendars are sold through our official website and official Etsy shop.
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From our table to yours, Shabbat Shalom!
Beth & Daniel
We Be Shabbatin'