Mitzvah & Value

ROSH CHODESH

• Rosh Chodesh is the name for the first day of every month in the Hebrew calendar. It starts at nightfall, like all days on the Jewish calendar.
• The Jewish calendar is central to Judaism. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Jewish calendar is lunar, based on the Moon.
• Tradition teaches that before leaving as slaves in Egypt the Israelites were instructed to establish their own calendar and it was the first commandment, or mitzvah given to the freed slaves. A symbol of slavery is that the slave has no control over time; therefore, in order to truly leave the servitude of Egypt the Israelites had to be masters over their own time.
• Rosh Chodesh is the symbol of renewal, light and freedom.
• Rosh Chodesh is especially dear to women, and many women observe it by coming together to study Torah, recite  prayers and share inspiration.
• Some have the custom of making  a festive meal