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.

Shabbat (שבת), the Sabbath, is the seventh day of the Hebrew week — beginning Friday evening and ending Saturday night. It recalls three central truths of the Bible:

• Creation — God ceased from His work on the seventh day.
• Exodus — God freed His people from slavery in Egypt.
• Redemption — Shabbat is called “a taste of the world to come.”

The Hebrew word shavat means “to cease.” But Shabbat is not only about what stops. It is about what becomes possible: space for God, family, community, and soul.

Why Shabbat Matters

• It restores faith. Shabbat reminds us that God is Creator, not man.

• It rebuilds families. Phones off, tables full, conversations real.

• It points to eternity. Each week we glimpse the world to come.

In an age of endless distraction, Shabbat is God’s gift of sacred time — the antidote to a restless world.