Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Jewish Holidays
- Rosh Chodesh
- Sections
- Peninei Halakha
Rosh Ĥodesh is a time of atonement, as we recite in the Musaf prayer, "a time of atonement for all their offspring." In addition, in the time of the Temple, a male goat would be brought as a sin offering.
In order to make this atonement complete, pious Jews customarily repent in for the time leading up to Rosh Ĥodesh. Some people fast on the day before Rosh Ĥodesh and recite special Yom Kippur Katan prayers prior to the Minĥa service. The day before Rosh Ĥodesh is called Yom Kippur Katan ("the minor Yom Kippur") because it is a time to atone for the sins of the previous month, just as Yom Kippur is a time to atone for the sins of the previous year (see mb 417:4, Kaf Ha-ĥayim 417:10-21). Nowadays, few people follow the custom of fasting; instead of fasting, one can study more Torah and give extra charity.
Rabbi Eliezer Melamed
Rosh Yeshiva of Har Bracha and rabbi of the settlement.
The place of prayer
Chapter three-part one
5775
Preventing Possible Disruptions in Prayer
Chapter five-part three
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Day of Judgement and Rejoicing
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18. Torah Verses in the Prayers and in the Berakha of She-asa Li Kol Tzorki
Chapter 10: The Laws of Tisha Be-Av
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Working Thoroughly – and Naturally – Like an Ox
Rabbi Haggai Lundin | 2 Iyar 5784
10. Ya’aleh Ve-yavo in the Amida
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A Time for Atonement and Forgiveness
Rabbi Eliezer Melamed | 5766
