The Jewish people are often compared to the moon. Throughout our history, our light has experienced ups and downs. But even in the greatest darkness, it has never been extinguished. This is one of the reasons why we celebrate when the new moon appears in the night sky.
Rosh Chodesh It means “the head of the new [moon]” and is one or two days that celebrate the beginning of the new lunar month.
The Jewish months, linked to the lunar cycle, have either 29 or 30 days. At the end of a 30-day month, the 30th day of the outgoing month and the first day of the incoming month are Rosh Chodesh. After a 29-day month, only the first day of the incoming month is Rosh Chodesh. Like the other days in the Jewish calendar, Rosh Chodesh begins on the evening of the preceding day.
Formerly, Rosh Chodesh was declared by the court (beit-din) only after two witnesses claimed to have seen the new moon. From the 4th century onwards, it is determined by a fixed calendar.
In Temple times, special sacrifices, called musaf And trumpet blasts were added to the daily service. Today we commemorate the day in other ways.
In each prayer of the day, a special paragraph is added in which we ask God to remember us auspiciously on this day and we recite half Hallel (a series of psalms). The special Torah reading for Rosh Chodesh is read, and a psalm (104) is added, which mentions that God made the moon to mark time. Finally, the prayer of musaf. During the final blessings over meals, it is also mentioned that it is Rosh Chodesh.
Rosh Chodesh is especially beloved by women, and they celebrate it by taking a break from household chores, such as washing and sewing.
The Shabbat before Rosh Chodesh is called Shabbat Mevarjim (the Shabbat that blesses), in which it is announced when the new month will begin and a prayer is recited asking God to give us a month full of joy, goodness and health.