Holiday

Rosh Chodesh

New Month
  • Recurring Observances
Rosh Chodesh

Rosh Chodesh

רֹאשׁ חֹֽדֶשׁ

Rosh Choh-desh

“The ‘Head’ of the Month”

What is Rosh Chodesh

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.

When is Rosh Chodesh

Every Month 30-1

If the previous month has 30 days Rosh Chodesh costums start on the 30th.

Month

Tishrei

Month

Cheshvan

Month

Kislev

Month

Tevet

Month

Shevat

Month

Adar

Month

Nissan

Month

Iyar

Month

Tammuz

Month

Av

Month

Elul

Commandments (Mitzvot) of Rosh Chodesh

  • Additional Prayers – Since Rosh Chodesh was the first commandment given to the people of Israel before the Exodus, it is considered a minor festival. The main public observances include a public recitation of Hallel (Psalms 113 – 118), a special Torah reading, and the recitation of the Mussaf (“Additional”) prayer, in which the sacrifices brought in the Temple on Rosh Chodesh are emphasized..
  • Fasts & Eulogies – It is forbidden to fast or to eulogize on Rosh CHodesh

Customs of Rosh Chodesh

  • Many people also prepare celebratory meals and wear slightly more formal clothing in honor of the day.

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