At four junctures [of the year] the world is judged: on Pesach for the grain; on Shavuos for the fruit of the tree; on Rosh Hashanah all who walk the earth pass before Him like young sheep, as it is said: Who fashions all their hearts together, Who understands all their deeds; and on the Festival they are judged for the water.

For six months, the messengers go forth: for Nissan, because of Pesach; for Av, because of the Fast; for Elul, because of Rosh Hashanah; for Tishrei, because of the [proper] determination of the holidays; for Kislev, because of Chanukah; for Adar, because of Purim. And when the Temple was in existence, they went forth also for Iyar, because of [the] minor Pesach.