Rosh Chodesh
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10. Ya’aleh Ve-yavo in the Amida
The unique nature of Rosh Ĥodesh must find expression in our prayers. Therefore, the Sages prescribed that we recite the Ya’aleh Ve-yavo prayer, in which we beseech God to remember us for good on Rosh Ĥodesh. -
9. Yom Kippur Katan: A Time of Atonement
Rosh Ĥodesh is a time of atonement. 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. -
8. Shabbat Mevarkhim
On the Shabbat preceding Rosh Ĥodesh (known as Shabbat Mevarkhim), it is customary to announce when Rosh Ĥodesh will take place and recite Birkat Ha-ĥodesh (“blessing the new month”), a prayer that God “renew this month for us and for all His people, the house of Israel, for good and blessing.” -
7. The Custom for Women to Refrain from Working on Rosh Hodesh
One may work on Rosh Ĥodesh. Ideally, though, one should not do so, as is the law on Ĥol Ha-mo’ed. The rule is that the holier the day, the more it is designated for holy endeavors, and the more one should limit his involvement in work. -
5. The Status of Rosh Hodesh in the Torah
The Torah lists Rosh Ĥodesh together with all the other festivals on which we bring Musafim (additional offerings) in honor of the day’s sanctity. -
6. Festive Meals on Rosh Hodesh and the Prohibition to Fast or Grieve
Rosh Hodesh is one of the holidays on which it is appropriate to rejoice. However, there is no explicit commandment to rejoice on Rosh Ĥodesh by conducting festive meals. -
4. Rosh Hodesh – One Day or Two?
When a month is incomplete (29 days), the following Rosh Ĥodesh is observed for one day. When it is full (thirty days), the following Rosh Ĥodesh lasts two days: the thirtieth day of the previous month and the first day of the next month. -
3. The History of the Sanctification of the Moon
The Sages of Eretz Yisrael retained the authority to sanctify months and intercalate years, as it says, “For Torah shall come forth from Zion”. -
2. The Authority to Set the Months Was Entrusted to Israel
A new month does not automatically begin when the moon reappears. Rather, the beit din sanctifies the month, as it says, “This month shall mark for you”. -
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