The year 5785 (ה"התשפ) is a standard (non-leap) year that contains 355 days. It begins on (Wednesday night and) Thursday, both the months of Cheshvan and Kislev have 30 days, and Pesach falls out on a Sunday. This type of year is called השא.
● ה stands for the fifth day of the week, the day of the week on which Rosh Hashanah falls, ש stands for shleima–, complete – since both of the above-mentioned months are = 30 days, while א stands for the first day of the week on which Pesach falls.) This configuration is very rare and only 3.31% of all Jewish years are of this kind. The last time Rosh Hashana fell on a Thursday was in 2017, and the next time it will occur will be 2028.
● Asarah BeTevet will fall on a Friday.
● Purim will also fall on a Friday except for in Jerusalem where they will have a three-day Purim.
● Lag Ba’Omer will be on Friday. The fact that the year begins with three consecutive holy days indicates that this year should be one of steadfast dedication to holiness.
This is emphasized by the fact that the holidays of Sukkot and Shmini Atzeret/Simcha Torah are also a series of three holy days.
