- Shabbat and Holidays
- Rosh Chodesh
Work on Rosh Chodesh
Question
Shalom, Why arent New Moons or Rosh Chodesh considered a time for cessation of work in the Torah? Also in light of Amos 8:5 where HaShem rebukes those doing business on Rosh Chodesh, why do we, or more accurately why are we allowed to work on Rosh Chodesh?
Answer
The Torah specifies (see for instance Leviticus ch 21) all the days on which melachah is forbidden, but does not specify Rosh Chodesh, not once. Rav Soleveitchik explained that the holiness of Rosh Chodesh pertains to the holiness of everyday affairs, so cessation of work would contradict the nature of the day.
As to Amos 8;5, check out the classical commentaries. Rashi, for instance says the verse is referring to "ibbur Shane" adding an extra month to the year.

Cutting Nails on Rosh Chodesh
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 9 Cheshvan 5763

Tefillin on Rosh Chodesh
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | 18 Cheshvan 5766

Tefillin on Rosh Chodesh
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Elul 2, 5777

The Latest Time to do Birkat HaLevana
Various Rabbis | 8 Tevet 5764

Rabbi Chaim Tabasky
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky teaches a shiur in gemarah at the Beit Midrash program of the Machon Hagavoah l'Torah at Bar Ilan University. He is also a certified examiner of STa"M (Sifrei Torah, Tefillin and Mezuzot) and a narrative therapist.

Keeping Bread Kosher
29 Iyyar 5764

Can a Male Ger Become a Rabbi?
12 Av 5764

Tzniut in the Torah
29 Iyyar 5764

Saying Shma in Space
29 Iyyar 5764

On which day may one start wishing "Shabbat Shalom"?
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 9, 5780

Mezzuzah for Non Jew
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 18, 5773

Is Super Glue Kosher?
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 19 Adar 5764

Is Super Glue Kosher?
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 19 Adar 5764
