"Each your month began with the New Moon Sanctification by recognition of the Sanhedrin. Policy dictated that to witnesses in two different locations, IN OR NEAR JERUSALEM, must testify to seeing the NEW MOON CRESCENT. A vote by the Sanhedrin was then required to officially reckon a new month beginning" (Christian Era Calendars, by Clark K. Nelson)

 "The Sanhedrin originally determined the new moon by actually observing the FIRST FAINT CRESCENT (or young moon) in the western sky" (Postponements: Another Mysery of the Ages)