1,257. Other Reasons to Declare a Leap Year

Hilchos Kiddush HaChodesh 4:4

Three lands are relevant to the issue of the ripening barley: Judah, Transjordan and the Galilee. If the barley has ripened in two of these places but not the third, a leap year is not declared. If the barley has ripened in only one of these places but not the other two, a leap year is declared if the fruit trees have not yet blossomed. These are the basic parameters of declaring a leap year in order to synch the years with the solar calendar.

Hilchos Kiddush HaChodesh 4:5

There are other reasons the court might declare a leap year out of necessity. Such reasons include that the roads might be in poor condition, rendering it impossible for the people to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. In such a case, a leap year is declared so that the rainy season can end and the roads can be repaired. Another reason is if the bridges have been destroyed and the rivers are overflowing the roads, impeding the people. A leap year is declared so that the bridges can be repaired. If the people were to attempt the journey otherwise, they would be putting their lives at risk. Yet another reason is if the outdoor clay ovens needed for the people’s Passover offerings were destroyed by the rains, leaving them with no place to roast their sacrifices. In such a case, a leap year is declared so that new ovens can be built and dried. Finally, if the Jews who live outside of Israel have departed but not yet arrived in Jerusalem, a leap year is declared so that they will have time to arrive.