Rosh Chodesh (New Moon)
The monthly celebration of the new moon, a semi-holiday with special prayers.
Rosh Chodesh marks the start of every month in the Hebrew calendar, so it recurs about every 29 or 30 days. It lasts one day, or two days when the previous month has 30 days (the 30th of that month is included).
When Is Rosh Chodesh (New Moon)?
Rosh Chodesh marks the start of every month in the Hebrew calendar, so it recurs about every 29 or 30 days. It lasts one day, or two days when the previous month has 30 days (the 30th of that month is included).
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Rosh Chodesh marks the beginning of each month in the Hebrew lunar calendar. It is traditionally associated with women. According to a midrash (Pirkei de-Rabbi Eliezer), it was given to them as a reward for refusing to donate their jewelry for the Golden Calf.
How It Is Observed
Special Hallel psalms, Musaf (additional) prayer, Torah reading, many women refrain from heavy labor. Birkat HaChodesh announced the previous Shabbat.