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Rosh Chodesh, translating to “Head of the Month” in Hebrew, is a significant aspect of the Jewish calendar, which follows the lunar cycles. The term “chodesh” derives from the Hebrew word “chadash,” meaning “new” or “renewal,” and specifically refers to the occurrence of the new moon. 

In the Jewish calendar, months consist of either 29 or 30 days, and Rosh Chodesh marks the first day of each Hebrew month. If the preceding month is 30 days, both the 30th day and the initial day of the new month are recognized as Rosh Chodesh. Conversely, in a 29-day month, only the first day of the new month holds this distinction. Following the tradition of the Jewish calendar, Rosh Chodesh, like all other days, commences at nightfall of the preceding day. 

In ancient times, the declaration of Rosh Chodesh was contingent upon the testimony of two credible witnesses who claimed to have sighted the new moon. However, since the fourth century, this determination has been based on a predetermined calendar.