Tishrei’s the time to make us think…So begins the song I learned to remember the order of the Jewish months. (It’s sung to the tune of “Do, a deer…” – find a link here)
The first mitzva we were given as a people is counting the calendar based on the moon, and we still do it that way. Rosh Hodesh (also spelled Rosh Chodesh) is the start of a new month, a minor holiday when the moon first reappears each month. Rosh Hodesh is also seen as an “extra” holiday given to women, who refused to give their jewelry for the golden calf. And so many women have a tradition on Rosh Hodesh, whether it is not to work, not to do a least favorite chore, to serve an extra dish at a meal, to serve a fancier meal, a women’s monthly tefilla group, new clothes, or something else, many people have a tradition.
Rosh Hodesh Iyar starts tonight.
I’m working on making Rosh Hodesh a bigger thing for our family. We’ve been learning about it in the context of how the moon looks to start – here are some of the resources I found:
- Check out this blank template for moon observation
- Here’s an elementary school explanation of the moon phases
- A really cute – and delicious – way to explain the moon appearance using cookies and a cupcake
- Here’s a pinterest board full of moon ideas using oreos
And now I’m pondering what to add for our celebration. Do you do something special for Rosh Hodesh?
